More than half of incidents go unreported
Residents affected by anti-social behaviour are being urged to report their concerns to Tonbridge and Malling’s community safety team as part of a nationwide campaign to help people feel safer where they live.
To mark the start of a national week of awareness raising, campaigners are highlighting that more than half of those surveyed who had seen or experienced anti-social behaviour (ASB) hadn’t reported it.
Reports of ASB in Tonbridge and Malling have been falling, from 1,712 in summer 2023 to 1,290 this summer. The reduction follows a number of council-led initiatives, including dedicated ASB patrols in known hot spots and a crackdown on car meets and so-called “boy racers”.
Campaign group Resolve, which works to combat ASB, commissioned research which showed many people don’t report problems they experience. It also found that almost one in five people have had to consider moving home because of the impact ASB was having on them; one in 10 have actually moved.
A key aim of Anti-social Behaviour Awareness Week (18-24 Nov 2024), is to encourage reporting so that councils, the police and other agencies can take action and provide reassurance to those affected.
Cllr Des Keers, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council cabinet member for communities, said: “I’m pleased our recent initiatives are helping bring down the level of anti-social behaviour but we know there are people out there suffering in silence. We can and will take action to tackle those who blight the lives of others but we need people to come forward and tell us about the problems they are experiencing.
“Our community safety team works closely with Kent Police and I can assure anyone affected by ASB that we will use all the resources at our disposal to take action against those responsible and safeguard our communities.”
Rebecca Bryant OBE, Chief Executive of Resolve, added: “ASB is not low-level. It 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 Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council is supporting this hugely important campaign. It is vital to develop partnership approaches across communities to deal with the growing challenges around ASB.”
Report anti-social behaviour the Tonbridge and Malling Community Safety Team.