Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has joined a national campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) and keep people across Denbighshire safe.
Running from July 18 to 22, ASB Awareness Week – Making Communities Safer aims to encourage communities to take a stand against ASB and highlight the actions that can be taken by those experiencing it.
Organised by Resolve, the UK’s leading ASB and community safety organisation, the week features a series of events all across the UK involving Councils, Police Forces, Housing Associations, charities, community groups and sports clubs.
Recent YouGov research commissioned by Resolve found that more than half of people (56%) believe that ‘more needs to be done’ to tackle ASB in their community. However, after they witnessed or experienced ASB, a similar proportion of the public (57%) said that they did not report it to anyone.
James is urging constituents not to suffer in silence if they experience ASB. Incidents can be reported to the anti-social behaviour team at the local Council, or to the police if people feel that they are at immediate risk or in danger.
He said:
“I am pleased to offer my support to ASB Awareness Week 2022, and I am committed to ensuring that everyone has the right to feel safe in their home and community.
"Anti social behaviour is sometimes referred to as "low-level crime", but its impact on a town can be extensive.
"In recent times, we have seen issues at Rhyl’s Botanical Gardens with antisocial youths who were being abusive, causing criminal damage to the gardens, and intimidating local residents. With firm action from the police, the problems there have been improved and this needs to be the approach going forward.
"There have also been problems in Prestatyn which is one of the reasons why I'm keen to see the return of a permanent police base in the town centre.
“Those responsible for ASB need to know that it simply won’t be tolerated.
“I regularly receive correspondence from constituents regarding ASB in their neighbourhoods. It is a major area of public concern that needs to be addressed on both a local and national level.
"I would urge anyone experiencing problems to seek help. Only by incidents being reported can we tackle this problem head on."
Rebecca Bryant OBE, Chief Executive of Resolve added:
“ASB is not low-level crime. It can have a long-lasting impact on the lives of victims and communities and can be a precursor to more serious crime.
“It is important that the challenge of ASB continues to be given the priority it needs so that people everywhere feel safe in their homes and communities.
“We are delighted that James is supporting this hugely important campaign. It is vital to develop partnership approaches across communities to deal with the growing challenges around ASB.”
For more information about ASB Awareness Week – visit www.resolveuk.org.uk/asbawarenessweek
