Posted on 14 May 2019
While Derbyshire continues to be one of the safest places to live in the country, anti-social behaviour remains a concern for local people.
So the council has teamed up with Derbyshire Police, district and borough councils to try to tackle the issue.
A leaflet has been produced to help people understand what is, and is not, anti-social behaviour and where to find help and advice if they think they are a victim.
The council is also working with Derbyshire Victim Services, a charity which offers support to people affected by crime, including anti-social behaviour.
Residents are also being urged to apply for a county council Action Grant to set up projects aimed at reducing crime and fear of crime and help to keep themselves safe.
Councillor Carol Hart, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, said:
“If someone feels they are a victim of anti-social behaviour it can have a huge impact on their quality of life, particularly if it has been going on for a long time.
“It can be made more frustrating because different issues are reported to different agencies so this can be confusing and residents sometimes feel like they are not being listened to.
“We’ve worked with Derbyshire Police and other agencies to create a handy leaflet which explains what is and is not anti-social behaviour and where to report their concerns.
“Derbyshire Victim Services is also doing a fantastic job in supporting people who have been affected by anti-social behaviour by offering practical help, a listening ear and reassurance.”
Anti-social behaviour can include noisy neighbours, criminal damage, vandalism, graffiti, threatening behaviour, litter, dog fouling, fly tipping, street drinking, nuisance motorcyclists and hate crime.
Across Derbyshire, there was a 5.5% reduction in reported anti-social behaviour in the 12 months to March 2019, compared to 2018. Of those, more than 53% of reports were related to nuisance.
Councillor Hart added:
“Although there has been a fall in reported anti-social behaviour across Derbyshire, it remains a worry for local people.
“I’d urge community groups and organisations to consider applying for a Derbyshire County Council Action Grant to tackle issues in their areas.
“Grants are available to support community safety projects which could be anything from community clean-ups, raising awareness of scams and rogue trading or activities for young people during the holidays.”
Groups that have already benefitted from Action Grants include Chesterfield Street Pastors, Heanor-based Salcare to support victims of domestic abuse and East Midlands Jiu Jitsu Association to provide equipment.
You can apply for an Action Grant.
And find out more information about anti-social behaviour.