Anti-social behaviour

National Context

Local authorities, the police and social landlords share responsibility for tackling ASB at a local level. These public bodies have a range of powers, set out in Parts 1 to 4 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, to tackle ASB.

In 2023 a number of Government documents were published relating to anti-social behaviour including new anti-social behaviour principles (GOV.UK) and revised statutory guidance (GOV.UK) for frontline professionals on anti-social behaviour powers. These documents were published to coincide with the launch of the Government’s Anti-social behaviour (ASB) Action Plan (GOV.UK).

The Action Plan had three main focus areas. 1) to ensure anti-social behaviour is treated with the urgency it deserves, 2) to change laws and systems to take a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour and 3) to give the police and other agencies the tools they need to discourage anti-social behaviour.

Revised guidance was also issued for conducting an anti-social behaviour case review (GOV.UK), formerly known as the Community Trigger.  The case review gives victims of persistent anti-social behaviour the right to request a review of their case where the locally defined threshold is met.

The College of Policing revised their anti-social behaviour toolkit in 2023 which includes information on legislation and powers, evidence-based approaches for tackling ASB and case studies and research projects from forces in England and Wales.

All of the documents published in 2023 emphasise the need for victims to be at the heart of the response to anti-social behaviour. Victims should be able to report incidents easily and expect to be taken seriously.

Our Vision and Objectives

Our strategic vision is to reduce instances of anti-social behaviour and the harm it causes in Warwickshire by taking a swift, coordinated community approach involving all necessary agencies who are victim focused.

Our strategic vision and objectives take account of the national Home Office anti-social behaviour principles (GOV.UK).

In Warwickshire we want to:

• Deliver a consistent response to anti-social behaviour across Warwickshire, irrespective of location.
• Improve the experience for victims of anti-social behaviour through better engagement and understanding, including promotion of pathways for reporting and applying for an ASB case review.
• Identify repeat and vulnerable victims effectively and respond efficiently.
• Identify repeat perpetrators of anti-social behaviour and explore opportunities to implement interventions to reduce their negative impact on communities.
• Tackle problem locations where anti-social behaviour is occurring repeatedly.
• Facilitate effective information sharing to allow for a more joined up approach in managing high risk cases.
• Increase and improve the sharing of good practice, skills, and experience across the county amongst both statutory and non-statutory agencies.
• Bring perpetrators to justice using community resolution and where appropriate restorative justice.

Local Approach

We know that anti-social behaviour cannot be tackled by one agency alone and that to provide an effective response, agencies must work together.

District and borough councils lead on ASB work in Warwickshire, adhering to their own ASB policies or ways of working. Joint working is an essential part of the investigation process and management of ASB.

Risk Assessments will be carried out where there is a report of personal ASB in order to determine the risk to the victim. Action taken will reflect the outcome of the risk assessment.

Multi-agency Case Management meetings take place to review high risk and repeat victims of ASB. Case management meetings consider possible solutions to the ASB and support for victims.

A Warwickshire wide Practitioner Forum meets quarterly to discuss ASB across the county and share learning and best practice.