Cambridge City Council is using ASB Awareness Week to spotlight ongoing initiatives to tackle antisocial behaviour (ASB) and promote safety in Cambridge.
Running until 24 November, ASB Awareness Week 2024 aims to encourage communities to take a stand against ASB and highlight the actions that can be taken by those experiencing it.
The national campaign is organised by Resolve, the UK’s leading ASB and community safety organisation.
YouGov research commissioned by Resolve found that almost 1 in 5 people have had to consider moving home because of the impact ASB was having on them - 1 in 10 have actually moved. Despite this, over half of those surveyed who were either a victim or witness of ASB did not report the ASB.
Throughout the week, the council’s Community Safety team will be visiting various locations across Cambridge to engage with local communities. This will involve door knocking to identify ASB concerns, raising awareness about how to report issues, conducting joint visits.
Cambridgeshire Police are hosting Coffee with a Cop sessions - a community policing meeting where residents can discuss their concerns. The council’s Community Safety team and Community Development team attended a session at Darwin Green Community Rooms on Tuesday 19 November. They spoke to residents about anti-social driving, fly tipping, graffiti and general anti-social behaviour from residents and those visiting the area.
The council is committed to addressing ASB not just during ASB Awareness Week but throughout the year. We encourage residents to speak out and seek help if they experience ASB. You are not alone and shouldn't suffer in silence.
Key initiates for tackling ASB in Cambridge
- Multi agency partnership: The council leads the monthly Problem Solving Group, bringing together professionals from the Police, Fire Service, housing providers, and others to address ASB hotspots and find practical solutions
- Retail worker support: The council and City Centre Neighbourhood Policing team work together to support retail staff by raising awareness about ASB, sexual harassment and predatory behaviour. A poster resource has been created for staff rooms to emphasise that these behaviours are unacceptable and constitute sexual harassment. Learn more about the Businesses Against Abuse campaign on the Cambridgeshire Constabulary website
- Neighbourhood Resolution: This initiative helps residents resolve disputes or ASB through restorative practices. Trained volunteer facilitators, who live and work in the local community, guide discussions in a safe space, allowing all parties to express their views, understand the situation and work towards a resolution. These volunteers play a crucial role in strengthening community and supporting conflict resolution. If you’d like to find out more or become a Neighbourhood Resolution volunteer, please email neighbourhoodresolution@cambridge.gov.uk or visit cambridge.gov.uk/neighbourhood-resolution-panel-scheme
- Supporting young people: The council works with schools, social care, and youth providers to address ASB involving young people. This approach considers the wider environments influencing their lives and focuses on providing support to improve their overall wellbeing.
For more information on ASB or to report it, visit cambridge.gov.uk/antisocial-behaviour
