Baroness Newlove: Focus on high street safety welcomed – but support for ASB victims in residential areas must remain a priority
As Anti-social Behaviour Awareness Week draws to a close, the Victims’ Commissioner has welcomed new Government action to tackle incidents in town centres – while urging policymakers not to overlook the experiences of victims facing persistent anti-social behaviour (ASB) in their homes.
The government has announced that more than 500 town centres will see increased police patrols over the summer – part of a ‘Safer Street’ summer blitz campaign initiative and one of the first steps to delivering on the government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.
Focusing on improving safety in high streets and town centres, today’s announcement aims to better protect communities as well as frontline workers in retail and hospitality.
Welcoming increased focus on and efforts to tackling anti-social behaviour, Baroness Newlove, Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, said:
“This announcement focuses on town centres. I welcome it as it protects not only the community, but importantly, the staff who work in retail and hospitality premises.”
However, she warned that focusing solely on public spaces risks ignoring the serious, long-term harm caused by ASB in residential areas:
“That said, it is important we do not lose sight of the terrible impact of persistent and targeted ASB,” she said. “This often takes place away from the high street – in cul-de-sacs, estates, and quiet neighbourhoods. Such behaviour can be very damaging, leaving victims feeling isolated and unsupported.”
In a recent appearance on BBC Breakfast, Baroness Newlove highlighted the human cost of persistent anti-social behaviour, warning against dismissing it as “low-level” nuisance:
“There’s a human there – like Fiona Pilkington or David Askew – and that is too little too late.”
Both cases underline the potential for anti-social behaviour to escalate, with devastating consequences. In 2007, Fiona Pilkington took her own life and that of her disabled daughter after years of targeted harassment, despite reporting the abuse to police more than 30 times. In 2010, David Askew, who had learning difficulties, collapsed and died outside his home following years of neighbour abuse and some 80 reports to authorities. In both cases, support – and resolution of any kind – failed to materialise.
The Commissioner welcomed the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, which promises a return to community-based policing models:
“I support the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee,” she said. “It marks the return to community policing where officers know their local areas and are better placed to respond to victims of persistent anti-social behaviour.”
Yet she cautioned that police visibility alone will not be enough.
“Alongside improved police response, these victims also need access to dedicated victim support services. Too often, support is lacking, leaving victims without the help they deserve – addressing this gap must be a priority if we are to truly support and protect all victims.”
The lead up to and #ASBAwarenessWeek itself, also saw the Victims’ Commissioner spotlighting ASB victims in the Sunday Express’s ‘Big Interview’ as well as delivering a powerful keynote address at an ASB conference, organised by Bedfordshire Police.
The engagement follows Baroness Newlove’s recent address in parliament, giving evidence to the Victims’ and Courts Bill Scrutiny Committee – highlighting, among other things, how enhanced statutory powers will enable the Victims’ Commissioner to scrutinise and challenge of responsible agencies treat ASB victims.
The Commissioner now intends to carry on her calls for change as this and the Crime and Policing Bill continue making their ways through the legislative process.