Southampton City Council supports ASB Awareness Week 2022

Southampton City Council has joined a national campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) and keep people in Southampton safe

Running from 18-22 July 2022, ASB Awareness Week 2022 aims to encourage communities to take a stand against ASB and highlight the actions that can be taken by those experiencing it. 

Organised by Resolve, the UK’s leading ASB and community safety organisation, the week features a series of events all across the UK involving Councils, Police Forces, Housing Associations, charities, community groups and sports clubs.

The week will showcase the efforts of people and organisations who are passionate about public safety. Southampton City Council will use its social media channels to share examples of the great work being done in the city, including:

• Highlighting the ways in which to report ASB, how to access support and find resolutions such as the Community Trigger
• How the Council works with partners and local communities to tackle issues within neighbourhoods
• Ways in which teams from across the council aim to deter anti-social behaviour in both public and residential areas, such as fly tipping

Recent YouGov research commissioned by Resolve found that more than half of people (56%) believe that ‘more needs to be done’ to tackle ASB in their community. However, after they witnessed or experienced ASB, a similar proportion of the public (57%) said that they did not report it to anyone.

Southampton City Council is urging members of the public not to suffer in silence if they experience ASB. Incidents can be reported to a local housing office, on the council website or to the Police if people feel that they are in immediate risk or in danger.

Councillor Matt Renyard, Cabinet Member for a Safer City said:

“We are committed to tackling all forms of anti-social behaviour, and as an administration we are focused on being tough on tackling the issue, the causes and those who commit in all of its various forms ASB. Together with partner agencies, we work hard to make Southampton a great place to be but know that incidents can have a lasting effect on communities. I encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses ASB to report it. Every report is assessed and used to identify priority areas and solutions that will help to keep our city safe.

“Soon, we will be introducing a Safer Neighbourhoods Fund that will enable communities to put in place measures to help prevent ASB and criminal activity in their area as well as setting-up schemes to engage with young people. We hope that this will give residents confidence to build up engagement and resilience in our communities and young people.”

Superintendent Simon Dodds said:

“We work with our partners to tackle anti-social behaviour because we know much it can blight people’s lives. People in this city should be able to go about their daily lives without feeling intimidated.

“We have a range of tactics available to us, whether it’s working with our partners on providing diversionary activities or even using dispersal powers, and every report of anti-social behaviour is assessed so we can prioritise our resources.

“To help inform our response it is important for people to keep reporting ASB. If you see or experience any anti-social behaviour that may be causing a risk to yourself or someone else, or which you think may be a crime, then please report to the Police by calling 101, or report online.

“In an emergency always call 999.”

Rebecca Bryant OBE, Chief Executive of Resolve added:

“ASB is not low-level crime. It can have a long-lasting impact on the lives of victims and communities and can be a precursor to more serious crime.

“It is important that the challenge of ASB continues to be given the priority it needs so that people everywhere feel safe in their homes and communities.  

“We are delighted that Southampton City Council is supporting this hugely important campaign. It is vital to develop partnership approaches across communities to deal with the growing challenges around ASB.”

Find out more about ASB Awareness Week.

How to report ASB

From aggressive, noisy or abusive behaviour to neighbourhood disturbances involving drugs or animals, anti-social behaviour takes many forms. If you’ve witnessed an incident, please report it.

• If you are a council tenant or leaseholder contact your Housing Office or use the online reporting form
• For non-emergency crime call 101, the police non-emergency number or report online
• If you are aged 11-16 and have information about crime, such as a drug dealer or someone who is exploiting young people, or you know someone who is carrying a knife, you can give that information 100% via Fearless

For emergency situations call the police using 999.