Crime reduction 

What you can do to stop anti-social behaviour

Please consider the crime prevention advice below to help to stop, prevent and reduce anti-social behaviour.

• Anti-social behaviour cannot be resolved without your help and involvement.
• It is vital that you record and monitor the anti-social behaviour. It is the best way to gather evidence to support any police action.
• Keep a log of all acts of anti-social behaviour. Make a note of times, dates, and details of the activity. This can be sent to the organisation that you report the problem to.
• Do not put yourself at risk. Keep your personal safety in mind.
• Be a witness to support legal action.
• Consider using CCTV to discourage anti-social behaviour and provide evidence of the activity to police. All CCTV systems (both internal and external) must be registered and comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998. For guidelines and advice for CCTV users, visit the website of the Information Commissioner’s Office (opens new window).

Police community support officers (PCSOs)

Thames Valley police community support officers (PCSOs) spend most of their time patrolling the streets and have powers to tackle anti-social behaviour. Please approach our PCSOs with any concerns about anti-social behaviour that you may have.

Gathering evidence

To make a case against someone who is behaving anti-socially, strong evidence is needed. This allows police to assess the problem.

• Your local police anti-social behaviour officer may give you diary sheets so that you can record the details of any anti-social behaviour.
• If you are a victim or witness of anti-social behaviour, you can, if you wish, remain anonymous when you give evidence.
• A police officer or other professional witness, such as a council official or heath worker, can also give evidence on behalf of a vulnerable witness.