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Thames Valley Police launched phase two of the ‘It’s that anti-social’ campaign, reinforcing their commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB).
The campaign aims to raise public awareness about what anti-social behaviour is, its impact on individuals and communities, and how to report it.
The impact of anti-social behaviour
Anti-social behaviour can have a significant impact on victims and communities.
“Behaviour by a person which causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to persons not of the same household.”
The term covers a wide range of incidents – from nuisance noise and littering drugs paraphernalia to vehicle nuisance and misuse of fireworks.
‘It’s that anti-social’ is a key component of Thames Valley Police’s wider strategy to combat anti-social behaviour and support victims.
Powers and tools used to tackle anti-social behaviour
Thames Valley Police recognise the importance of partnership working as tackling anti-social behaviour requires a multi-agency response – not all anti-social behaviour falls within police powers.
Working alongside councils, housing associations, health services and community organisations strengthens the ability to respond to anti-social behaviour and support affected communities.
Anti-social behaviour rises during the summer months. Phase Two of the campaign was timed to coincide with this seasonal rise, ensuring that officers are equipped to respond effectively.
Increasing reports
A national report into anti-social behaviour in 2024, published by Resolve UK, found that there were likely more than five million incidents of anti-social behaviour nationwide in 2023. As part of this research, the YouGov data shows that more than half of victims or witnesses to all types of anti-social behaviour do not report them.
Across England and Wales, the reasons people choose not to report anti-social behaviour vary. Common barriers include a lack of trust or confidence in the police, uncertainty about what anti-social behaviour is, and concerns that reporting may not lead to action being taken.
Research carried out across Thames Valley enabled the campaign to focus on the most common types of anti-social behaviour in each area. Campaign messaging was targeted, using tailored graphics, in specific locations where these issues were most commonly occurring.
Increasing trust and confidence
A key area of the campaign has been to build public trust and confidence in how Thames Valley Police responds to anti-social behaviour.
Sharing real-life stories across the force during the campaign period, shows what can happen when anti-social behaviour is reported. The stories were shared across radio and Spotify advertising, social media and press releases.
Local stories were pushed into those specific areas, and local neighbourhood policing teams where given posters to assist them with local engagements.
‘It’s that anti-social’ is more than a campaign, it’s a reminder that every incident of anti-social behaviour has an impact. By recognising and responding to anti-social behaviour effectively, we can make our communities safer, stronger, and more resilient.
More information on anti-social behaviour can be found on the Thames Valley Police website.
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