Antisocial behaviour calls in Barking and Dagenham up by 50 per cent

Almost 11,000 calls reporting antisocial behaviour in Barking and Dagenham have been made in the past 12 months – around 50 per cent more than the previous year.

Police received 10,805 calls between April 2011 and April 2012, while in 2010/11 they took 7,098.

The issues being reported included complaints of rowdy behaviour, vehicle nuisance, street drinking, littering, and noise.

Police said the increase is a sign that a rising number of residents believe the police can help them tackle unacceptable behaviour in the community.

Ch Insp Mike Hamer said: “Neighbourhoods teams keep a keen eye on antisocial behaviour and continue to encourage the community not to suffer in silence.

“There has been a rise in reported antisocial behaviour and this is an indicator of the community’s confidence that an effective solution is available to them.”

He continued: “It should be remembered that overall crime in the borough is down by three per cent. The future for the community of all ages remains positive and we continue to be one of the safest boroughs in the capital.”