Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week 2026: Help make our communities safer

Today (29 June) marks the start of Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Awareness Week 2026, a national campaign that shines a spotlight on the impact anti-social behaviour has on individuals, families and communities across the UK.

Now in its sixth year, the campaign comes at a time when new research suggests that anti-social behaviour remains a significant concern for many people. Research carried out by YouGov in April 2026 found that more than half of UK adults have experienced or witnessed anti-social behaviour within the last three years.

The survey also revealed that:

• Nearly half of adults say anti-social behaviour is a problem where they live.
• 41% believe anti-social behaviour has increased in their area over the past three years.
• Most victims and witnesses do not report anti-social behaviour, often because they believe nothing will be done or they are unsure how to report it.

What is anti-social behaviour?

West Mercia Police define anti-social behaviour in three main categories:

Personal anti-social behaviour – when a person targets a specific individual or group.

Nuisance anti-social behaviour – when a person causes trouble, annoyance or suffering to a community.

Environmental anti-social behaviour – when a person’s actions negatively affect public spaces, buildings or the wider environment.

Examples can include persistent noise nuisance, vandalism, intimidation, nuisance vehicles, littering, fly-tipping and other behaviour that affects the quality of life of local residents.

Reporting anti-social behaviour

We work closely with the Dawley and Malinslee Safer Neighbourhood Team (https://neighbourhoodmatters.co.uk/Content/LocalArea/58911/Dawley%20and%20Malinslee) and will report anti-social behaviour concerns that are raised with us.

However, we strongly encourage residents to report incidents directly to the Safer Neighbourhood Team whenever possible. Direct reporting helps make sure incidents are recorded promptly, allows officers to build an accurate picture of issues affecting the community, and enables appropriate action to be taken.

If you witness or experience anti-social behaviour, please report it directly to the Dawley and Malinslee Safer Neighbourhood Team through Neighbourhood Matters.

Remember: even if an incident may seem minor, reporting it can help identify patterns of behaviour and support efforts to keep our neighbourhoods safe and welcoming for everyone.

For more information about what constitutes anti-social behaviour, please visit the West Mercia Police website (https://www.westmercia.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/asb/asb/antisocial-behaviour/what-is-antisocial-behaviour/)