Shepton Mallet residents urged to report anti-social behaviour during ASB Awareness Week

Shepton Mallet residents are being encouraged to take action during Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Awareness Week, which runs from 18–24 November. Avon and Somerset Police are highlighting the wide-reaching impact of ASB on individuals and communities while stressing the importance of early reporting to prevent harm and improve safety.

ASB covers a broad range of behaviours, including fly-tipping, vandalism, intimidation, harassment, and public drug use. While not always classified as a crime, persistent ASB can disrupt lives, leave residents feeling unsafe, and, if unchecked, escalate into more serious issues. Figures from Avon and Somerset Police show that 155 incidents of anti-social behaviour were reported in Shepton Mallet over the last 12 months, with 389 incidents recorded over the last three years. These numbers underline the ongoing concerns about ASB in the area and the need for community-led reporting to tackle the problem effectively.

Chief Inspector Scott Hill, Force Lead for Anti-Social Behaviour, said: "ASB is not just about nuisance—it's about addressing behaviour that harms individuals and communities. Early reporting is key to enabling us to intervene and stop harmful situations from escalating further."

The focus on ASB in Shepton Mallet comes as part of a region-wide effort to tackle rising reports. Between January and October 2024, Avon and Somerset Police issued 56 Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) and 45 injunctions across the force area. These measures, designed to target repeat offenders, form part of a broader strategy to address harmful behaviours.

Local neighbourhood policing teams in Shepton Mallet are working closely with councils, housing associations, and community groups to tackle problem areas. In addition to enforcement, police are using diversionary schemes and support networks to engage with vulnerable individuals, offering alternative pathways to reduce reoffending.

Residents are being encouraged to report incidents of ASB through the police's online reporting tools or the StreetSafe app, which allows for anonymous submissions about safety concerns in public spaces. While not all reports lead to immediate action, each one helps police build a clearer picture of hotspots and allocate resources where they are most needed.

Case studies shared during ASB Awareness Week highlight how community reporting can lead to positive outcomes. In one example, a family in Minehead endured months of harassment from a neighbour. Careful evidence-gathering and consistent reporting led to the offender being evicted, restoring peace to the neighbourhood.

Chief Inspector Hill added: "We want to reassure residents that every report matters. It helps us understand the scale of the issue, identify repeat offenders, and take effective action. By working together, we can ensure Shepton Mallet remains a safe and welcoming community for everyone."

Police data reveals that ASB coordinators have already handled 833 interventions across Avon and Somerset during the 2023–24 period, compared to 753 the previous year—a reflection of growing demand. Interventions range from warning letters and behaviour contracts to formal court orders, such as CBOs and injunctions.

As part of their prevention strategy, Avon and Somerset Police are delivering more than 4,500 additional patrols across 72 locations, targeting areas with high levels of ASB and serious violence. Shepton Mallet is among the areas expected to benefit from increased police visibility and partnership working to address local concerns.

Residents can report ASB via the police website, the StreetSafe app, or by visiting the local police enquiry office. In emergencies, they are reminded to always call 999. This week's awareness campaign aims to empower Shepton Mallet residents to take an active role in improving their community by identifying and reporting ASB and working with local authorities to find lasting solutions.