Waltham Forest ASB reports rise as residents cite 'waste of time' reporting

Waltham Forest experienced over 40 incidents of antisocial behaviour (ASB) during the summer, a period that typically sees a rise in such reports. While crime has fallen by 5% across the borough in the past year, residents are raising concerns about the effectiveness of reporting issues to the police.

The Metropolitan Police received 23 formal ASB reports in Waltham Forest in August, a significant increase from the ten reports filed in July. September saw nine further reports, bringing the summer total to 42 incidents. This increase in formal reports contrasts with a sentiment among some residents that the reporting process is not yielding visible results.

Frustration with reporting process

Philip Herilhy, chair of Waltham Forest's crime panel, stated that many residents feel the effort involved in making a formal ASB report is not reflected in any noticeable changes. He noted that this perception leads to a feeling that reporting is a 'waste of time', creating a cycle where fewer reports are made, potentially attracting less police attention.

Mr Herilhy highlighted that for a problem to attract police attention, a consistent flow of reports is necessary. He added that residents' expectations need to be managed, and they should understand that their reports contribute to an intelligence picture that may eventually lead to action. He also pointed to 'too much friction' in the current reporting channels, including phone, website, and social media, suggesting improvements are needed to make reporting easier and more satisfying for the public.

Metropolitan Police response

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police acknowledged the concerns raised by residents regarding ASB reporting. The force stated its commitment to tackling issues that matter most to the public and recognised the importance of accessible reporting for maintaining confidence in policing.

The Met spokesperson confirmed efforts are underway to improve reporting services, focusing on reducing wait times and increasing answer rates to make contacting the police easier. They noted that average 101 wait times have decreased by almost half in the past six months. The force also indicated that targeted operations are being planned over the coming months to address specific areas of repeat antisocial behaviour in Waltham Forest. They also clarified that local authorities are responsible for certain ASB matters, such as noise nuisance and fly-tipping, and that the Met works with the council to ensure concerns are directed to the appropriate body.