The number of anti-social behaviour offences reported in Avon and Somerset has reached its lowest level since records began, according to new Home Office figures.

This mirrors a national decline, as incidents across England and Wales also fell to record lows.

In the year to March, Avon and Somerset Constabulary recorded 23,000 incidents of anti-social behaviour—equivalent to 13 incidents per 1,000 people. This marks a 1% decrease from the previous year and a 32% drop from 2020-21, when offences spiked nationwide. This is the lowest figure reported in any year since records started in 2007-08.

Nationally, the number of reported incidents also dropped slightly, with just over 1 million incidents recorded across England and Wales—the lowest figure since 2007-08, when 3.9 million incidents were reported.

However, the charity Victim Support warned that many people still feel their concerns aren't taken seriously. Rachel Almeida, assistant director at Victim Support, said: "While reports to the police of anti-social behaviour have gone down, sadly these incidents remain a common reality for many. Every year one in three people will experience or witness some type of anti-social behaviour."

She added: "We know from our experience that many victims feel that they aren't taken seriously, or worry that no action will be taken when they report. This isn't helped by the fact that victims of ASB do not have the same rights to information and support as victims of crime. We believe it is time that this changed—and we call on the Government to boost the rights of victims and guarantee that they can always access support."

The Labour Party has pledged to crack down on anti-social behaviour, particularly in poorer communities. Their election manifesto promises to introduce new Respect Orders for persistent offenders and force fly-tippers and vandals to clean up their mess. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper also vowed to restore neighbourhood policing by recruiting thousands of police officers and community support officers.

Meanwhile, the Manifesto Club, a civil liberties group, has raised concerns about extending anti-social behaviour powers. Josie Appleton, director of the club, said: "In our experience, anti-social behaviour statistics include a great variety of incidents, with police logs including everything from buskers to begging to drug use."

A Home Office spokesperson said the Government is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour: "That is why it is this Government's mission to take back our streets. We are committed to delivering thousands of extra neighbourhood police and community support officers, tackling anti-social behaviour and introducing tougher powers to tackle repeat offending."