Celebrating our Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour Award winners

Last week (Wednesday 6 September), we recognised and celebrated colleagues, partners and individuals who have worked hard to help tackle, reduce and resolve Anti-social Behaviour in Surrey across the last two years.

The evening highlighted best practice partnership working, excellent problem-solving skills and dedicated community engagement and reassurance work. 

Members from partner organisations such as Woking Borough Council’s ASB team we’re recognised for their commitment to joint working with officers to investigate and solve numerous ASB incidents. The reported incidents were coming from a property which was set up during lockdown to house 25 extremely vulnerable people. With a drive to protect the victims, a partial closure order was obtained for 3 months which was then extended by another 3 months and since the extension was granted, residents have stated that “this is now a nice place to live”.

PC Amy Norman was commended for her fantastic work in Spelthorne, despite only joining the Neighbourhood Team a year ago, Amy has had a huge positive impact on the community. After a spate of reports of petty theft and general nuisance to members of the public, it was identified that this was solely being committed by one individual. Over several months Amy built a positive rapport with the young person and undertook safeguarding checks including regular welfare visits. As a result of this, a social worker was assigned to the young individual and family, regular meetings with the local school have been put in place and the young person has reduced offending by 80%.

Residents in Guildford had been suffering serious Anti-Social Behaviour issues for several years caused by one residential household. Police Constables Isobel Parkinson and Madeline Neil began to tackle the problems and rebuild community trust and confidence. Through their work, 15 anonymous impact statements were taken detailing personal suffering and torment by this resident. This resulted in the tenant being taken to court where a Closure Order was put in place and the tenant was evicted from the property. PC Isobel Parkinson and PC Madeline Neil along with the brave residents were celebrated for their commitment to solving a longstanding issue and tackle ASB within their community.

Jo Grimshaw, Head of Anti-Social Behaviour said: “It was a fantastic evening and a great opportunity to celebrate and thank those who have worked tirelessly over the last two years to resolve and reduce ASB in their communities. 

"Anti-Social Behaviour cannot be solved by one agency alone and requires a real partnership approach. The partners that we work with are outstanding and help us to protect victims and ensure the right support is in place. Encouraging victims to stand up to and report ASB is paramount, and we are striving to create more resilient and confident communities. 

"I would like to extend my congratulations and thanks to all those who attended the event and for their incredible work to combat ASB in Surrey.”

The event was funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey and Surrey Crimestoppers. 

Surrey’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, who opened the event, said: “I’m delighted to celebrate the amazing work that’s being carried out by Surrey Police, partners and members of the public across the county to tackle anti-social behaviour in our communities. 

“These awards demonstrate the inspiring work that goes on to support victims and tackle anti-social behaviour by getting to the root cause of issues. 

“The impact of anti-social behaviour can be truly devastating for those affected, and we are dedicated to ensuring both that victims are always at the heart of our response and that serious and persistent offenders are brought to justice. 

“To those who are affected by anti-social behaviour, I urge you not to suffer in silence. Please report incidents to the appropriate agency. We are all here to help.” 

If you are experiencing ASB, or know someone that is, please don’t suffer in Silence. The Healthy Surrey website can help you understand what type of ASB you are experiencing, the best agency to report this to and how to access support services. If you feel you are not being listened to, or your ASB is continuing, the website also explains the ASB Case Review and how you can request one.