Cornwall residents asked how antisocial behaviour should be tackled

What does antisocial behaviour look like where you live, and what should be done about it? People across Cornwall are being asked exactly that, and the answers will feed into a plan covering the next five years.

Six weeks to have a say

A public consultation on Cornwall’s new Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Strategy 2026-2030 has opened on the Let’s Talk Cornwall website. It runs for six weeks, until late November.

The strategy is being developed by Safer Cornwall and partner organisations, including Devon and Cornwall Police. Its aims are to reduce antisocial behaviour, support victims and strengthen the way agencies work together when local concerns are raised.

Residents, businesses, community groups, town and parish councils, housing providers, young people and partner organisations are all being encouraged to take part.

The five proposed priorities

The emerging strategy is built around five priorities:

• Partnership working
• Prevention and early intervention
• Problem-solving approaches for people and places
• Supporting victims
• Engagement and communication

The consultation asks whether these are the right priorities for Cornwall, and whether anything else should be addressed before the strategy is finalised.

What the early findings say

The proposed priorities follow research and consultation work that included analysis of local and national evidence, reviews of antisocial behaviour data and needs assessments. Workshops were also held with partners on safer town centres, young people, housing, and the use of ASB powers and tools.

Early findings point to concerns about how visible antisocial behaviour is in public spaces. They also highlight the links between ASB and issues such as vulnerability, homelessness and complex needs, the importance of early support for young people, and the need for stronger partnership working across Cornwall.

“Victims’ needs must come first”

Cllr Thalia Marrington, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Health, said: “Everyone deserves to feel safe and supported in the place they call home and while some people who engage in antisocial behaviour may face complex challenges, victims’ needs must come first. This strategy combines support with accountability, addressing root causes while ensuring victims are heard, protected and supported.

“Antisocial behaviour can have a real impact on people’s daily lives, which is why it’s important that we hear directly from residents about the issues that matter most to them.

“This consultation is an opportunity for people from every part of Cornwall to help shape our priorities for the years ahead. Whether you’ve experienced anti-social behaviour yourself, work with people affected by it, or simply want to help make your community a better place, we want to hear your views.”

How to take part

The consultation is open now on the Safer Cornwall Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy page on Let’s Talk Cornwall.

The final strategy is due to be considered for approval in early 2027.