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Alarming trends in anti-social behaviour
We need to fully understand the impact of anti-social behaviour (ASB), and empower victims to report it, writes Harrison Box, policy officer at Resolve
Harrison Box is a policy officer at Resolve
We need to fully understand the impact of anti-social behaviour, and empower victims to report it, writes Harrison Box, policy officer at Resolve #UKhousingNew research commissioned by Resolve and conducted by YouGov highlights the ongoing and escalating issue of anti-social behaviour (ASB) and its devastating impact on communities and victims.
The findings underscore the urgent need for continued focus and systemic change in how we address ASB.
Alarmingly, ASB shows no signs of decline and is instead a growing societal concern. Over two-fifths (42%) of respondents reported an increase in the level of ASB in their local area, with 17% stating it had increased significantly and 25% noting a slight increase.
Local areas and communal spaces remain the primary areas affected. Twenty-seven per cent of respondents said they felt unsafe in their local area, and 15% expressed fear about going to the shops. These concerns align with the pressing issues many communities face.
Among those who experienced ASB in the past year, 40% identified drug use and dealing as the most significant ASB-related problem in their area. This is an often highly visible and disruptive form of ASB. Similarly, 50% referenced vandalism, a tangible and enduring reminder of ASB’s impact.
“Unchecked anti-social behaviour not only endangers public spaces, but also intensifies challenges such as mental health issues and social isolation”
Unchecked ASB not only endangers public spaces, but also intensifies challenges such as mental health issues and social isolation. Thirteen per cent of respondents said ASB had affected their mental health negatively at some point, and 15% had considered moving home as a result. Notably, 27% reported having felt unsafe in their local surroundings.
Victims of ASB are frequently isolated from support networks and community hubs. The persistence of a postcode lottery in victim support services makes their experiences not only isolating, but also confusing and demoralising. While some areas benefit from victim support funded by Police and Crime Commissioners, many do not. This inconsistency highlights the critical need for guaranteed support for all ASB victims.
Organisations responsible for tackling ASB – including the police, councils, housing associations, community groups and charities – often operate under immense strain due to budget cuts, rising demand and a fragmented support landscape. Satisfaction with their response remains low: 46% for police, 48% for councils, 55% for housing associations and only 20% for community groups and charities.
A multi-agency approach with effective information sharing is essential. While not a silver bullet, we are calling for a single, national information-sharing agreement to empower practitioners and streamline support.
Data plays a vital role in understanding and addressing ASB. However, it is largely gathered through reports from victims and community members. Unfortunately, 41% of respondents who witnessed ASB but didn’t report it, did not view ASB as serious enough to report, and 20% were unsure how or to whom they should report it.
“41% of respondents who witnessed ASB but didn’t report it, did not view ASB as serious enough to report”
These barriers hinder victims, impede agency intervention and deprive policymakers of essential data. That’s why we are committed to eliminating these obstacles.
We propose a long-term, nationwide communications campaign focused on educating victims and witnesses about their rights, the support that is available and reporting mechanisms. Additionally, we advocate for a unified reporting platform – be it a single phone number, website or app – accessible for everyone.
Timely action is crucial. Left unaddressed, ASB can severely harm individuals’ mental well-being and weaken the fabric of communities. New legislative efforts, including the Renters’ Rights Bill and the Crime and Policing Bill, offer potential remedies.
However, if these policies impose additional burdens on an already overstretched court system, especially with the removal of Section 21, they could worsen the situation. With court delays reaching up to two years in some cases, urgent reform is needed. We therefore strongly support the creation of a specialist housing court and call for significant investment in the civil justice system.
It is encouraging that ASB remains a priority for the government. New policies such as the Crime and Policing Bill aim to address some of the most harmful aspects of ASB, especially in public spaces.
Yet policy alone cannot act swiftly enough. We need easy reporting methods for ASB, a national information-sharing agreement and guaranteed support for victims.
Harrison Box, policy officer, Resolve
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