Working together to improve our communities

• Fewer ASBOs* were sought across Surrey in 2007/08 than during any of the preceding three years - falling from 206 in 2004/05 to 45 in 2007/08
• In Surrey Heath, the number of ASBOs sought fell from 16 in 2005/06 to just two in 2007/08 (only one was issued) demonstrating the success of the early intervention work partners are doing with offenders.

The legal description of anti-social behaviour is behaviour that causes or is likely to cause alarm, harassment or distress to one or more persons not of the same household. The term covers a wide range of situations including:

• Dropping litter
• Nuisance neighbours
• Dog fouling
• Rowdy behaviour
• Intimidating groups taking over public spaces
• Vandalism
• Graffiti and fly-tipping
• Speeding
• People dealing and buying drugs on the street

In Surrey Heath, quality of life issues such as speeding and rowdy behaviour are high on residents' lists of priorities for action. One of the key ways in which the Partnership addresses these issues is through the workings of its Community Incident Action Group (CIAG) and Joint Action Group (JAG). These multi-agency groups are made up of representatives from all six partners, and voluntary and community organisations, who meet once a month to report incidents, whether isolated or ongoing, and work through solutions.

Case studies

• Halloween 2008

Getting involved

It is important that residents and businesses work with local agencies to highlight areas for action and help bring offenders to justice.

It has never been easier to report problem behaviour in Surrey Heath. Residents can get in touch with the right team 24/7 via Surrey Heath Borough Council's Report It Online Opens in a new window facility. Alternatively call the council contact centre on 01276 707100 or fax 01276 707365.

If you would like to report any problems in the borough's parks and green spaces, such as graffiti and vandalism, contact Surrey Heath Borough Council Arts and Leisure Services on 01276 707338 or email leisure.services@surreyheath.gov.uk

To report crime anonymously call Surrey Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A full list of local police officers can be found on the Surrey Police website Opens in a new window and residents should always call 999 in an emergency.

* Anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) are court orders which can ban a person (aged 10 and over) from continuing their offending behaviour, spending time with a particular group of friends, or visiting certain areas. For more information about ASBOs visit the Home Office Opens in a new window website.