North Devon Council shows support for ASB Awareness Week 2023

North Devon Council has joined a national campaign to tackle antisocial behaviour (ASB) and keep people in the district safe.

Running this week (Monday, July 3, to Sunday, July 9), ASB Awareness Week 2023 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 council - which works with partner organisations to tack ASB - held an ASB Partnership Action Day in Barnstaple town centre on Tuesday, July 4. Council officers and representatives from a number of organisations including Barnstaple Town Council and community group Barnstaple in Bloom were out tidying the town and patrolling to tackle ASB.

In Ilfracombe, officers from the council's ASB team will be carrying out additional patrols on Thursday, July 6, to target the recent increase in street drinking and resulting behaviours. On both days, people are encouraged to talk to officers about any concerns they have around ASB in their communities.

Recent YouGov research commissioned by Resolve found that almost 1 in 5 people have had to consider moving home because of the impact ASB was having on them; 1 in 10 have actually moved. Despite this, over half of those surveyed who were either a victim or witness of ASB did not report the ASB.

The council is urging members of the public who experience ASB not to suffer in silence. ASB such as flytipping, littering, offensive graffiti, abandoned vehicles, street drinking, noise nuisance and abandoned vehicles can be reported to North Devon Council, which has a number of enforcement powers under the Anti Social Behaviour Police and Crime Act 2014 to tackle ASB in the district.

Tenants of social housing should report ASB around their homes to their landlords. Non-emergency ASB can be reported to Devon and Cornwall Police by calling 101 or emailing 101@dc.police.uk, or by calling 999 if people feel that they are at immediate risk or in danger.

North Devon Council's Service Lead for Housing, Vulnerable Persons and Community Safety, Natasha Rowland said: “We are acutely aware that ASB can affect residents and the community at large and can take many forms, from low level, persistent noise nuisance to serious public disturbance. It can include a wide spectrum of issues such as street drinking, aggressive begging, littering and urinating and defecating in public.

"Incidents of ASB are often best resolved through a multi-agency response, as many organisations can play a key role in tackling it and providing a suitable resolution. Our Action Days in Barnstaple and Ilfracombe will be an opportunity for partners to come together and speak with residents, visitors and businesses about how we can each play a part in tackling ASB for the good for the whole community.

"We are working hard to reduce ASB in both town centres and the district as a whole, and will continue to support businesses to help them do the same. By taking a partnership approach, we aim to improve the quality of life and experience for all residents, businesses and visitors to our town centres."

Rebecca Bryant OBE, Chief Executive of Resolve added: “ASB is not low-level. It can have a devastating and 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 North Devon Council is supporting this hugely important campaign. It is vital to develop partnership approaches across communities to deal with the growing challenges around ASB.”

The council's Facebook page provides regular updates from its ASB team about the work they're conducting in the community on a daily basis. All activity relating to the council's work to combat ASB can be found using #NDCSaysNoToASB. Regular updates are also being posted by the council's Outreach team, which works to support the district's rough sleepers.

Non-urgent antisocial behaviour can be reported to the police using email via 101@dc.police.uk, through webchat, or through the 101 telephone service if necessary. Live wait time for 101 calls can be viewed by visiting www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/contact. In an emergency always call the police on 999.

More information on an antisocial behaviour PSPO in Barnstaple and Ilfracombe can be found on the council's website at www.northdevon.gov.uk/community-safety-and-emergencies/anti-social-behaviour.

For more information about ASB Awareness Week – visit www.resolveuk.org.uk.