People in Cornwall urged to report antisocial behaviour as Covid restrictions ease
Safer Cornwall is calling on residents and visitors to respect their neighbours, communities and public spaces
People in Cornwall are being urged to report incident of antisocial behaviour, with a rise expected over the summer.
With many keen to celebrate as Covid restrictions are eased, the Safer Cornwall Partnership is urging people to respect their neighbours, local communities and public spaces.
Throughout the summer months, there tends to be a rise in anti-social behaviour (ASB) as more people head out to enjoy the sunshine and socialise outside.
This Anti-social Behaviour Awareness Week (July 19-25), Safer Cornwall is reminding people that if they are subjected to ASB, the issue cannot be dealt with unless it is reported.
Antisocial behaviour can be intimidating, abusive or rowdy behaviour which can have a significant impact at a personal or community level. Examples include but are not limited to, shouting, swearing, using violence or threatening to use violence and vandalism. These types of behaviour can be aggravated by the misuse of drugs or alcohol.
Cornwall Council has a number of ASB Officers who work across Cornwall alongside police colleagues.
The ASB Team works closely with police and other partners across the county to tackle a range of anti-social behaviours in adults and young people. For this approach to be successful, a balance between prevention and early intervention, support and enforcement is required.
During 2020/21, 443 ASB warning letters were issued by ASB Officers and Police on individuals following a reported incident of ASB to the police. This joint process between Cornwall Council and Devon and Cornwall Police, ensures individuals are engaged with services at an early stage to divert them away from further offending.
“To continue the good work of the Safer Cornwall Partnership when dealing with ASB concerns, we encourage anyone who has witnessed or experienced ASB, to report it at their earliest convenience.
“Tackling ASB is a multi-agency response and cannot be done in isolation. Your reports help us to ensure that not only does prevention and enforcement take place, but also that support can be put in place for individuals where it is needed.”
Tom Styles, Senior ASB Caseworker at Cornwall Council
“Cornwall is a safe place to live, work and visit but we know that anti-social behaviour can have a significant impact on people’s lives.
“I urge everyone, both residents and visitors, to show respect and consideration towards others and work with us and the police by reporting their experiences when ASB does occur.”
Carol Mould, portfolio holder for Neighbourhoods at Cornwall Council
“Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) can have a devastating impact on our residents and communities. Cornwall and the isles of Scilly is a safe place to live, work and visit. The Police working with partners will do all we can to ensure it remains that way.
“We work closely together to look at innovative ways at prevention and early intervention whilst also tackling ASB in a proactive manner to not only pursue offenders but support victims.”
Chief Inspector Miles Topham, Devon and Cornwall Police
You can report ASB to Devon and Cornwall Police by calling 101, emailing 101@dc.uk or using the Devon and Cornwall Police webchat service.