Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour Around Businesses, Five Practical Steps You Can Take

Anti-social behaviour around shops and other commercial premises can often be dismissed as a minor nuisance. However, for the people and businesses involved, its consequences can be serious.

The latest figures underline just how widespread anti-social behaviour (ASB) remains. According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) for the year ending March 2026, an estimated 40.9% of people experienced or witnessed ASB, a statistically significant increase from 35.5% the previous year. Levels are now similar to those recorded in the year ending March 2020. Police-recorded ASB incidents, including those recorded by British Transport Police, remained at around one million.

Behind these figures are incidents that can have a very real impact on businesses and their employees. Intimidation, verbal abuse, vandalism, public drinking, drug-related activity, aggressive behaviour and groups obstructing entrances can make employees feel unsafe and discourage customers from visiting. Repeated incidents can also lead to property damage, additional security costs and disrupted trading.

Businesses should never feel that anti-social behaviour is simply part of the job. An incident that appears relatively minor in isolation can become extremely harmful when repeated over days, weeks or months.

It is therefore important to consider not only what happened, but its wider impact. Are employees changing how they travel to work? Are customers avoiding particular times or locations? Has the business incurred cleaning, repair or security costs? Is the behaviour affecting neighbouring premises?

Recording this information can help partners understand the full scale of the problem and develop an appropriate response.

Five practical steps for businesses -

Put safety first

Employees should not be expected to confront someone if doing so could put them at risk. Businesses should have clear procedures for when staff should withdraw, contact security, call the police or seek emergency assistance.

Always call 999 where a crime is in progress or there is an immediate risk to life or property. Non-emergency incidents should be reported through the appropriate police or local authority channels.

Record incidents consistently

Keep an incident log recording key details such as the date, time, location, behaviour observed, descriptions, witnesses, CCTV availability and impact on the business. Retain any incident reference numbers.

Consistent, factual records can help identify patterns, repeat offenders, locations and times that may not be apparent when incidents are considered separately.

Report through the right channels

Responsibility for tackling ASB can sit across the police, local authorities, housing providers, landlords and other agencies. Businesses should ensure employees know how and where to report incidents.

Consistent reporting matters even when an immediate response is not possible, as individual reports can contribute to a wider intelligence picture.

Work with local partners

Persistent ASB is rarely solved by one organisation acting alone. Businesses should consider working with neighbouring premises, Business Improvement Districts, Business Crime Reduction Partnerships, local police and councils, landlords and security providers.

Lawful information sharing can help identify patterns, coordinate preventative measures and support targeted interventions.

Highlight the impact on the business

A Business Impact Statement can explain how crime or ASB has affected employees, customers, finances and day-to-day operations, helping decision-makers understand the wider harm caused by repeated behaviour.

Where persistent ASB has been reported but the problem remains unresolved, a business may also be able to request an ASB Case Review, subject to the locally determined threshold. This enables relevant agencies to review the response and consider whether further action is available.

Reducing opportunities for ASB

Simple environmental measures can also help, including improving lighting and visibility, managing waste promptly, reviewing CCTV coverage and considering the layout around entrances. Any measures should reflect the specific problem and avoid simply transferring it to neighbouring premises.

Businesses have an important role in recognising, recording and reporting ASB, but they cannot be expected to solve complex community problems alone.

The most effective responses combine good business procedures, intelligence sharing and coordinated action by local partners. By treating repeated incidents as a pattern rather than isolated events, businesses and agencies can better protect employees, reassure customers and create safer commercial areas. Our NBCC 'Tackling ASB guide' can help: ASB Overview FINAL2.pdf

Review your ASB procedures today. Make sure employees know how to stay safe, where to report incidents and how to record their impact. Early, accurate information gives local partners the best opportunity to intervene before the harm escalates.

For more support and information on tackling ASB visit the dedicated section of our website: Anti-social behaviour