Shining a Light on Anti-Social Behaviour: ASB Awareness Week 2024
Shining a Light on Anti-Social Behaviour: ASB Awareness Week 2024
It is Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Awareness Week, running from 18th to 24th November 2024, and this year we are tackling an important but often overlooked issue: Cuckooing.
We are here to help our residents recognize the signs of cuckooing, understand how it impacts individuals and communities, and learn how to report concerns.
What is Cuckooing?
Cuckooing happens when individuals or gangs exploit vulnerable residents by taking over their homes for criminal purposes, such as drug dealing or storage.
What are the signs?
- A once-friendly neighbour becomes withdrawn or avoids conversation.
- Unexplained injuries or visible signs of distress.
- Frequent visitors or unfamiliar people staying at the property.
- Sudden changes in their behaviour or living circumstances.
If you suspect cuckooing, don’t stay silent. Visit Hertfordshire County Council’s Cuckooing Page for more information, and report concerns by calling 101.
Understanding Anti-Social Behaviour
Anti-social behaviour can have a profound effect on individuals and communities. It typically involves ongoing actions that cause alarm, distress, or harm.
Examples of ASB include:
- Violence or threats of violence (Police)
- Hate-related incidents (Police)
- Intimidation or verbal abuse (Police, FGCH)
- Noise nuisance —persistent noise at any hour (Environmental Health)
- Vandalism and property damage (Police)
- Abusive or threatening graffiti (FGCH)
- Littering, fly-tipping, or dumping rubbish.
- Drug dealing or criminal activity (Police)
- Negligent pet ownership —e.g., allowing pets to foul public spaces (FGCH)
What Can You Do?
If you are experiencing ASB:
- Start with a conversation: Sometimes, minor issues like loud parties or parking disputes can be resolved with a friendly chat. Your neighbour may not even realize they’re causing a problem.
- When to escalate: If you do not feel safe addressing the issue directly, or the behaviour persists, report it to us using our online form.
In urgent cases:
- If there is an immediate threat of violence or danger, call 999.
- For non-emergencies, contact the police on 101.
ASB Awareness Week is an opportunity for all of us to come together, support one another, and build stronger, safer communities. Let’s work together to make a difference!