NBCC 2026 Anti-Social Behaviour Survey Results Released
The National Business Crime Centre (NBCC) has released the results of its 2026 anti-social behaviour (ASB) survey, distributed to businesses in March. The survey explores the types of ASB being experienced, the impact on businesses, and what respondents believe should be done to address these challenges.
The survey received 360 responses from retailers, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), Business Crime Reduction Partnerships (BCRPs), security providers and other businesses, representing a wide range of sectors.
You can see the full results here: ASB Survey Feedback 2026
Summary findings:
· The top three challenges faced by businesses are:
§ Crime 72%
§ Threatening Behaviour 66%
§ Youth Behaviour 64%
· Begging (34%) and drug use (32%) ranked fourth and fifth, respectively.
· 55% of respondents reported that ASB is affecting both their business directly and the wider location in which they operate.
When asked what they would like to see from police and government in response to these challenges, the most common request was for increased police presence which was cited by around 80% of respondents. Over half (approximately 55–60%) called for stronger punishments and sentencing, while around a third highlighted the need for more patrols (32–36%) and greater funding and resources (28–33%).
Improved partnership working and communication were also identified as key priorities by respondents, alongside calls for better engagement, clearer processes, and more consistent enforcement.
NBCC lead Lisa Maslen said: “This survey reinforces what we are consistently hearing from businesses across the country, that crime and anti-social behaviour is having a significant and sustained impact on both trading environments and wider communities.
“There is a clear call for increased police visibility and a more consistent approach to enforcement, alongside stronger outcomes within the criminal justice system. However, it is equally clear that enforcement alone is not the solution.
“Businesses are asking for a more coordinated, partnership-led approach, bringing together policing, local authorities and support services to address the root causes of anti-social behaviour, including youth engagement and addiction. A balanced response is essential if we are to deliver safer and more resilient town centres and the NBCC will continue to work with police and partners to strengthen the collective response to ASB.”
National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) lead for ASB, Deputy Chief Constable Catherine Akehurst, said: “As a police service, we are committed to tackling anti-social behaviour that harms individuals, communities and businesses. A key part of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee is addressing ASB. There is now a strategic ASB lead within every force in England and Wales and, as of 1 April this year, ASB action plans have been published to set out clear direction as to how forces are tackling ASB, in conjunction with partners, within their areas.
“Over the course of this Parliament, we have committed to increasing neighbourhood policing officer and staff numbers by 13,000, with more than 3,000 police officers and PCSOs already having been hired or redeployed into these teams since April last year.
“While there is still work to do, we have seen positive feedback from communities and businesses who are reporting better relationships with their local police forces.
“Through the impending Crime and Policing Bill, several measures are set to be introduced to help policing, local authorities and other partners further tackle ASB and the impact it has on businesses and communities.”
The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 was updated in July 2025. Further information can be accessed here. The Government has also published a Crime and Policing Bill: Anti-social Behaviour (ASB) factsheet, which can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/crime-and-policing-bill-2025-factsheets/crime-and-policing-bill-antisocial-behaviour-asb-factsheet
