ASSURANCES have been made by police in Lancashire that they take anti-social behaviour seriously after a national report criticised responses from authorities.

In her final report as Victims’ Commissioner (VC) for England and Wales, Baroness Newlove says that victims of anti-social behaviour (ASB) are being let down by police, local councils and housing providers, with many victims having to suffer in silence.

She said: “ASB is often downplayed as a petty, ‘low-level’ crime.

“But put yourself in their shoes – to suffer from ASB is an ordeal that causes misery, disturbs sleep, anxiety, work and relationships – leaving victims feeling unsafe and afraid in their own homes. It can feel like you are living a nightmare."

The Victims’ Commissioner found examples of police and council staff failing to appreciate the cumulative impact of persistent anti-social behaviour (ASB) on its victims – with each incident being treated in isolation and the underlying causes being ignored.

Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw welcomed the report.

He added: “I am clear that anti-social behaviour is taken very seriously by myself and Lancashire Constabulary and I encourage all victims of crime to come forward and report it to the police where this is appropriate. Anti-social behaviour can have a serious impact on your day to day life and can leave people feeling vulnerable and upset.

“Lancashire Victim Services have specialist support for victims of all crimes and I would strongly urge anyone affected by anti-social behaviour to contact them for support. Counsellors are well trained to support anyone who has been left hurt or upset following a crime."