PCCs urge restraint and encourage reporting of anti-social behaviour

19/07/2021

As the final Covid-19 restrictions are lifted in England and the summer holidays begin, the Association Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) is calling on people to show restraint and to report anti-social behaviour wherever they experience it.

Speaking at the start of the inaugural Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week, Joint APCC Local Policing Lead Alison Hernandez - the PCC for Devon and Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly - said: “Anti-social behaviour is one the biggest issues raised by communities with PCCs. It can blight lives and cause huge distress.

“As we unlock, people are of course keen to meet up again and enjoy the summer. But with good summer weather, more people holidaying in the UK this year, and as our bars and clubs fully re-open, there is a real risk of our communities seeing a sudden surge in anti-social behaviour.

“I urge people to be considerate, and to think of how their actions may impact on others who are more anxious. People should not suffer in silence. I would urge anyone who is suffering from anti-social behaviour in their community to report it to the local council, the police or other agencies.”

Joint APCC Local Policing Lead Jeff Cuthbert, the PCC for Gwent, said: “PCCs are elected to be the voice of the people in policing and we know how important tackling anti-social behaviour is for our communities. We also know that anti-social behaviour which goes unaddressed often leads to more serious criminality, something we wish to prevent.

“However, we must also acknowledge how incredibly complex this issue can be. What our residents see as anti-social behaviour can look very different between communities and, crucially, not all anti-social behaviour is crime.

“This is not solely a policing issue which is why PCCs work closely with the police and partners to fund local initiatives that offer diversionary and support services to those most at risk of engaging in anti-social behaviour. We understand that our communities often know best how to address the issues in their area.

“By offering young people the opportunity to take part in sporting and creative activities we are reinforcing positive behaviours, and helping to set the groundwork that will allow vulnerable young people to have a happy and healthy future.”

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