Tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) is a top priority and we are committed to taking swift, effective action so people feel safe in their homes and on the street.

A report published today by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) acknowledges the good progress we are making in achieving this goal.

What the report says...

"Avon and Somerset experiences a relatively moderate level of ASB and a moderate level of crime per head of population."

Reported incidents of anti-social behaviour across the force between April and August this year have fallen by more than 3,000 compared to the same period in 2009.

We have 60 neighbourhood policing teams who are dedicated to resolving anti-social behaviour at the earliest possible stage. Thanks to early action, getting to grips with the root of the problem and closer working with young people and partner organisations, we are successfully tackling anti-social behaviour.

"ASB is a clearly stated force priority and features in the Policing Plan, with associated targets and measures. The commitment to ASB is very clearly set out in the ASB Gold Service Standard, which was rolled out to the force at the start of the year."

Our special Gold Service Standard was created to make sure that victims of ASB receive a gold standard response from us. It covers the full life-cycle of victim care, from the first call for help through to all the subsequent follow-up.

Anti-social behaviour has a negative impact on people's quality of life and we work hard to support people whose lives it affects, paying especially careful attention to those people who are vulnerable.

Communication is key. If you report anti-social behaviour, someone will contact you within 24 hours to talk about it in detail. This may lead to a home visit and updates on the action we have taken to address the problem, if requested. You will also receive a Reassurance Booklet, which includes information and advice about anti-social behaviour.

Satisfaction levels with our overall service in tackling ASB are currently standing at 74 per cent and they are continuing to rise. We are determined to improve this even further.

Report any incidents of ASB and find out more about our service

"We surveyed 100 people who reported ASB in Avon and Somerset during September 2009…Over two thirds of those surveyed agreed that local services deal with ASB issues that matter locally. This is above the national average and is a good result for the force."

We work hard to build strong relationships with communities and make sure the issues which really matter to residents are resolved.

Through beat meetings, street briefings and other routes we give local people the chance to have their say about their neighbourhood and what needs addressing.

Through close partnership working and careful listening, we are tackling what people want and improving their quality of life.

We are also talking to young people to see things from their perspective and help make sure there are places for them to go and things to do.

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What you say...

We're getting positive feedback saying our work to tackle anti-social behaviour is really working.

Getting real results...

Targeting hotspots

Anti-social behaviour has significantly reduced in hot spot areas following police action.

Local residents highlighted anti-social behaviour in the Lake Grounds, Portishead as a community priority. Officers stepped up patrols, visiting the area every evening, and called on the homes of those responsible.

A 14-year-old boy was also issued with an Acceptable Behaviour Contact (ABC) in June, after officers received reports of underage drinking, disruptive behaviour and criminal damage.

The measures have been successful, with reported incidents of ASB falling by 40 per cent over the summer months, compared to the same period last year.

Sergeant Jim Robinson said: "We have listened to the community and stepped up patrols to reduce the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour. These extra patrols have resulted in the seizure of alcohol and young people dispersing from the area. We will continue to monitor the situation and are currently working with partner agencies and members of the community to offer alternative facilities where teenagers and youngsters can socialise."

The action formed part of Operation Jilt, an initiative to reduce anti-social behaviour in North Somerset over the summer. This involved officers from Nailsea, Clevedon and Portishead teaming up to patrol hot spot areas in a dedicated ‘ASB car' every night of the week.

Since the operation began last November, officers have issued two Anti-social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs), 20 Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs) and nearly 300 letters to parents.

An 'ASB Panel' also sees police and other agencies meet regularly to discuss how to deal with repeat offenders. The group looks at preventative measures, such as providing facilities to keep young people entertained and off the streets during evenings and weekends.

Police are also positively engaging with younger members of the community by spending time in schools and at youth clubs.

For example, Police Community Support Officers are helping "tots, teens and beyond" to celebrate Halloween in safety – and style at the Lake Grounds. The spooky activities include dancing to The Thriller, enjoying a ghost walk and dressing up for the occasion.

Safe place to have fun

Police are helping young people dance to the beat and keeping anti-social behaviour at bay.

Residents in Street and Glastonbury, Somerset East, told us alcohol-related nuisance behaviour was a problem.

In Street police have seized large quantities of beer, alcopops, cider and vodka from under 18-year-olds. Officers, in partnership with Mendip District Council, have also set up a disco at a local nightclub for young people during the school holidays, giving them a safe place to socialise with friends.

The disco has a dedicated Facebook page and features a DJ and non-alcoholic drinks. Proving popular, more than 300 teenagers attended the last one.

Officers have been working closely with shops licensed to sell alcohol and increasing patrols up to and beyond midnight to tackle the issue in Glastonbury.

Police and the Somerset Youth Volunteering Network also arrange activities for young people, including a Dub Club disco for under 18s and drop-in health clinic.

We are also serving on-the-spot fines to adults, who are caught urinating in the street or damaging street furniture.

Sergeant Joanna Cayford said: "Good progress has been made, particularly in Street. But there is still room for improvement and we are committed to a zero-tolerance approach. No amount of anti-social behaviour is acceptable because it has such a big impact on people's lives. We are committed to making sure we have more officers on the beat when and where we know ASB is a problem and will continue exploring new ways to engage and respond as effectively as possible."