Police in England and Wales log over one million anti-social behaviour cases yearly

Police forces across England and Wales recorded more than one million anti-social behaviour incidents in the past year, according to figures compiled by the National Police Chiefs' Council. The council said the volume of reports reflects widespread public concern, with millions of residents contacting officers each year about neighbourhood disturbances.

Local results vary In one area of County Durham, reported incidents fell 35 per cent after forces increased street patrols and introduced improved crime-tracking technology. In a town centre in Warwickshire, violence and anti-social behaviour dropped 90 per cent following heightened enforcement and expanded youth engagement programmes.

Enforcement tools and next steps Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Catherine Akehurst said low-level incidents can undermine residents' sense of safety and erode trust in policing. Officers are using arrests, stop-and-search, focused patrols, property closures and behavioural orders.

The council added that closer work with councils and schools remains a priority. Each of the 43 forces has appointed a dedicated anti-social behaviour lead under a neighbourhood policing guarantee announced in April 2025. Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones said communities now have named contact officers and that new Respect Orders will give police additional powers against repeat offenders.

The government has committed to placing 13,000 more officers in neighbourhood roles.