Authorities across the South are backing Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week, a national campaign aimed at highlighting the impact of antisocial behaviour and encouraging communities to report problems.
Arun District Council is supporting the campaign, which runs from 29 June to 5 July, and says it is fully committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and hate crime across the district.
Anti-social behaviour is defined as actions that cause harassment, alarm or distress to others, or negatively affect a community’s quality of life. This can include loud noise, nuisance neighbours, vandalism, graffiti, aggressive or threatening behaviour, littering, fly-tipping, drug use, drinking in public spaces and other disorderly conduct.
The council says ASB can have a significant impact on individuals, families and communities, undermining feelings of safety and wellbeing.
Arun District Council works closely with Sussex Police, West Sussex County Council, housing providers and other partner agencies through the Community Safety Partnership. It says its approach is proactive, victim-focused and rooted in early intervention.
This includes engaging with people at an early stage to prevent behaviour escalating, using warnings, acceptable behaviour agreements and targeted support where appropriate.
The council says it also takes reports from victims seriously, works to keep them informed, and can use enforcement powers where necessary, including Community Protection Notices, Public Spaces Protection Orders and Civil Injunctions.
Its specialist ASB team also works with residents’ groups, businesses and local communities to understand concerns, build trust and encourage reporting.
Environmental improvements, such as tackling graffiti and poor lighting, are also used to help make neighbourhoods feel safer and more welcoming.
Residents are being urged to report anti-social behaviour so patterns can be identified and action can be taken. In urgent situations where someone is at risk of harm, or criminal activity is taking place, people should call 999 and ask for the police.
The council says tackling ASB is everyone’s responsibility and it will continue to invest in prevention, partnership working and enforcement to help build safer communities.
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