THE latest police data has revealed exactly how many crimes were reported across Lancashire this July with antisocial behaviour reports topping the list.

The data comes just as anti-social behaviour is on the rise in some Lancashire boroughs with some local police forces promising to crack down on the behaviour before it can become worse.

Here’s all you need to know about anti-social behaviour – including how many reports were made in your area recently:

What is anti-social behaviour?

The term anti-social behaviour covers a wide range of unacceptable activity that blights the lives of many people on a daily basis. It often leaves victims feeling helpless, desperate and with a seriously reduced quality of life.

A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: “Anti-social behaviour can involve harm to an individual, to the wider community or to the environment.

"This could be an action by someone else that leaves you feeling alarmed, harassed or distressed. It also includes fear of crime or concern for public safety, public disorder or public nuisance.

“Everyone has the right to live a life free from anti-social behaviour.

“Your local council, the police and other community safety partner agencies, such as the fire service and social housing landlords, all have a responsibility to deal with anti-social behaviour and to help people who are suffering from it.”

How many anti-social behaviour reports were made in Lancashire?
 

According to the data, 19907 crimes were reported across Lancashire in July and a whopping 35 per cent were related to anti-social behaviour.

July 2021’s anti-social behaviour figures are also up 3.5 per cent on last July’s figures.

Across Lancashire as a whole, Blackpool is the area with the highest anti-social behaviour reports in July 2021 (1326).

Compared to last July, the area’s anti-social behaviour reports have jumped by 19 per cent.  

This is followed by Lancaster (966) and Preston (781).

According to the data, Blackburn with Darwen is the East Lancashire area with the highest number of anti-social behaviour reports.

726 reports were made in July of this year – but this is a seven per cent decrease on the year before.

In all other East Lancashire areas, anti-social behaviour reports have seen an increase.

The Ribble Valley may have seen the lowest number of anti-social behaviour reports – but this figure is up 57 per cent increase on the year before.

This high figure could be linked to the increase in anti-social behaviour reports at Ribble Valley’s Whalley Abbey.

At the end of August, 150 youths went to the abbey to harass the reverend and his wife and reports of vandalism were also on the increase.

Issues here started in July when Reverend Adam Thomas said  teenagers have been seen in the grounds of the Abbey, wreaking havoc and abusing him and his wife. 

Chief Inspector for Pendle and the Ribble Valley, Martyn Holt said:
“Last weekend (28 -29 August), a Section 34 Dispersal Order was granted for Whalley following reports of ASB in the area over the summer, escalating on the 22 August to 150 young people in the local area causing a significant disturbance, criminal damage and assault.

“Extra resources were assigned to the Ribble Valley, including Special Constables, to provide reassurance and patrol the area.

"Thankfully, the weekend passed mostly without incident, though a small group of youths were dispersed, and some headway was made on identifying those responsible for the damage, with one young man working with the Reverend and his wife so far through the restorative justice avenue to understand the impact of his behaviour.

"Investigations are ongoing in relation to the assaults and criminal damage.

“Officers will continue to work with partners in BTP, National Rail and Youth Services to tackle the ongoing issue of ASB in the Ribble Valley, and would encourage residents to sign up to Lancashire Talking and work with us to do so."

Police are also aiming to tackle anti-social behaviour in Burnley too.

On Friday, Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Andrew Snowden, met with Burnley and Padiham MP, Antony Higginbotham, councillor Alan Hosker, and members of Burnley and Padiham police to discuss issues that affect the Padiham community.

Mr Snowden heard how efforts to deal with anti-social behaviour, especially around Padiham baths were being dealt with, and plans for neighbourhood officers to use Padiham police station as a base.

You can view the full set of data below – how many anti-social behaviour reports were made in your hometown?

If you are experiencing problems with anti-social behaviour, or have any concerns about it, or other community safety issues, you should contact either your local council or call the police on the non-emergency number 101.

 

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