Overview
- Police data show more than one million anti‑social behaviour incidents are recorded across England and Wales every year, driving public concern about safety and quality of life.
- Since the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee was announced, all 43 forces have appointed dedicated ASB leads and published local ASB action plans to co‑ordinate policing and partner responses.
- The Crime and Policing Act 2026 adds new enforcement powers, including so‑called Respect Orders, and police are working with the Home Office on the practical steps needed to put those measures into operation.
- Targeted local tactics — extra patrols, town‑centre operations, property closures and youth engagement — have delivered big reductions in some places, with Horden reporting a 35% fall and Leamington a 90% drop in recent policing examples.
- Charity and polling data show many victims do not report incidents, with about 63% not contacting police and 28% of households saying ASB made them feel unsafe, and campaigners warn some victims’ rights measures passed in 2024 have yet to be fully implemented.