Anti-social behaviour in Greater Manchester to be tackled with summer-long campaign

Greater Manchester is putting on a host of activities over the summer as part of the annual campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) and keep young people safe.

Launched today (Friday 10 June) at Salford Water Sports Centre, the campaign brings together Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), local councils and other key partners.

Campaign partner representatives at Salford Water Sports Centre

Throughout the summer, there will be positive diversionary activities, such as sports, arts, and cultural activities on offer across the city-region. Young people are also encouraged to stay safe when out and about over the summer period, particularly around water and outdoor spaces.

Partners will be working together with the public to not only reduce the demand on emergency services, but to prevent incidents of anti-social behaviour from happening in the first place.

The campaign focuses on the types of ASB that we typically see more of during the summer months than winter and promotes a conversation with communities about how they can help tackle and prevent ASB, by increasing people’s understanding of what it is, the impact it has on people’s lives and highlighting the options available to those facing it.

Detective Chief Inspector Lisa Bradley, GMP’s lead for ASB, said: “Summer is the time of year when anti-social behaviour often spikes, causing concern and distress for local communities and acts as a drain on emergency services resources. The partnership is committed to tackling ASB, as we understand how distressing this type of behaviour can be and the lasting impact it can have on individuals, families and the local community. ASB can be caused deliberately by people wanting to inflict harm or distress, but more frequently, it is people not thinking about how their actions might be received or affect others, so we’ll be working with the public to increase people’s understanding of what ASB is.”

Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Bev Hughes, said: “We are pleased to be working once again with GMP and other partners on our Safe4Summer campaign this year.

“We want young people to have fun during the summer months, but to do so safely and be aware of the consequences of their actions. Parents and carers can also support our campaign by speaking to young people about the risks and consequences of anti-social behaviour, helping us all have a safe summer.”

Billy Fenwick, Head of Prevention at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Deliberate fires are just one of the many incidents of anti-social behaviour we see occur over the summer months. This year, GMFRS continue to work with partners during the Safe4Summer campaign to protect our communities and are urging young people to think about the risks and consequences of their actions when enjoying the warmer weather over summer. By playing their part, we can make sure this summer is a safe one for everyone.”

Local authorities are each hosting various activities throughout the summer months, which you can access via the council websites, or via the activities section on the Safe4Summer website.

When left unchecked, ASB can have a devastating impact on victims; therefore, it is important that any offences are reported to the police. You can report any instances of ASB using LiveChat or online reporting at https://www.gmp.police.uk/. You can also call 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

If you are a victim of anti-social behaviour or other types of crime, you can access the support that is available to help you cope and recover at: www.gmvictims.org.uk

Follow #Safe4Summer on social media throughout the summer to keep up to date with activities and get involved with our campaign.

10/06/2022 14:31 PM