ASB Awareness Week: Police encourage public to report as summer spike hits

Police in Hertfordshire are supporting ASB Awareness Week (29 June-5 July), highlighting the action being taken across the county to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) and support victims.

ASB is defined as activities likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress and can have a serious and lasting impact on individuals and communities.

In the 12 months up to May 2026, police in Hertfordshire received more than 21,000 reports relating to ASB – an increase of 1.3% on the same period the previous year. The largest category of reported problems was nuisance behaviour.

Reports also increase during May, June and July as the weather improves. In May this year, reports were double those received in February (1,610 compared to 871 reports) across the county.

Chief Inspector Mark Collins, Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Tactical Lead for ASB, said: ‘Warmer weather – which we have been experiencing a lot of recently – often means more people venturing outside and as a result there are more incidents of nuisance behaviour. We urge people to be considerate of others and be aware of the point where having a good time tips over into rowdiness or behaviour that might cause alarm or distress to others.’

The force is committed to tackling crime and ASB throughout the county and has introduced targeted patrols and intensive enforcement activity as part of Operation Hotspot. Last year this resulted in 370 arrests, 654 stop searches, ASB prevention powers were used 1,646 times and 57 knives seized.

Hertfordshire Constabulary’s ASB Action Plan focuses the force’s activity on visibility and patrols, targeted activity, partnership working and problem solving to tackle root causes of complex and long-term issues.

Superintendent Ben Wright, Strategic lead for ASB, said: ‘Anti-social behaviour is not a minor issue, it can have a significant impact on victims, particularly those who are vulnerable or repeatedly affected.

‘Our approach is clear, we will prevent harm where we can, take robust action where we need to, and work alongside partners to tackle the underlying causes of ASB. Most importantly, we are putting victims at the centre of everything we do. That means identifying repeat and vulnerable victims early, providing support, and ensuring their voices shape our response.

‘We are keen to ensure that victim voices are heard and we actively support the ASB Case Review with our local authority partners across the county. Anyone who is unhappy about the response by police and other bodies to a recurring ASB issue can request a case review through this process.’

Members of the public can go to www.herts.police.uk/ASB to find out more about the different types of ASB and where to report and get further help and support.

Residents can sign up to the free messaging service www.hertsconnected.co.uk to have their say on what ASB and crime issues are prioritised in their neighbourhood.