TO mark Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week, Harlow residents are urged to continue reporting incidents to keep their communities safe.
The national awareness week brings together partners across housing, policing, local government, fire and rescue services, charities and communities to shine a spotlight on anti-social behaviour (ASB), amplify the voices of victims and promote safer neighbourhoods.
Latest data shows that, despite the significant harm ASB can cause to individuals and communities, fewer people are reporting incidents compared with previous years. Many victims say they are unsure how to report ASB or would be more likely to do so if they could report anonymously.
New polling commissioned by Resolve, an organisation dedicated to tackling ASB and improving community safety, highlights the scale of the issue. Nearly two-thirds of victims and witnesses who experienced ASB in the past three years said they did not report it. The research found that 63% did not report incidents to the police, their local council, housing provider or any other agency, up from 56% in 2025.
Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “The consequences of persistent anti-social behaviour should never be underestimated. That is why having a more visible policing presence in every corner of the county matters.
“There has already been investment in targeted, data-led partnership patrols at times and locations where anti-social behaviour is most likely to occur. It is also true that improved safety measures and CCTV in the towns and city centres that make up the county, through more than £6 million of Safer Streets funding, has made a significant difference. Although there are more officers on patrol in Essex than ever before, finding new and better ways to confront all forms of anti-social behaviour must continue.
“Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week is also an opportunity to recognise the impact on victims. When incidents are reported, a victim-centered approach should be the focus of the investigation. Through early intervention and targeted prevention activity, helping people feel supported and included in their communities, confidence can be enhanced in the policing approach in Essex.
“Reported anti-social behaviour incidents in Essex have fallen by two-thirds since 2016. Maintaining momentum is important. The more that can be done to work with communities to identify anti-social behaviour hotspots and encourage reporting, the better the police response will be.”
Ch Supt Waheed Khan of Essex Police, said: “Nobody in Essex should live in fear or feel intimidated in their own home because of anti-social behaviour. ASB can take many forms, from drug and alcohol misuse to noise and nuisance vehicles.
“Keeping our communities safe is a priority. We have strong partnerships with local councils, housing associations and charities, and we’re working together to address the root causes, solve problems and reduce offending.
“ASB is not low-level, it damages communities and can have a serious impact on individuals. If you’re experiencing or witnessing ASB, please report it every time. The more information we have, the better we can target problem areas and take action.”
How to report anti-social behaviour and crime:
In an emergency, always call 999
Call 101 for non-emergencies
Report online via https://www.essex.police.uk (includes 24/7 live chat)
Speak to your local Neighbourhood Policing Team at community engagement events, listed in the Dispatches newsletter – Essex Police Dispatch Newsletter – Latest Updates | Essex Police
Report anonymously via https://crimestoppers-uk.org
