New antisocial behaviour partnership launched

Liverpool City Council is part of the new Merseyside Antisocial Behaviour Partnership, which unites more than 20 key organisations across the region.

For the first time, partners from across the community safety field have formally committed to coordinating their approach, using the full range of cross‑agency tools and powers to protect victims, strengthen communities, and prevent offending.

Regular data sharing, increased transparency, and stronger accountability form the foundation of this new partnership model.

By combining powers, the partners aim to intervene earlier, protect victims more effectively, and take firm action against those who repeatedly cause harm in communities.

Working together, the public can expect to see an increase in Closure Orders, Dispersal Orders, Public Space Protection Orders, Community Protection Warnings and Criminal Behaviour Orders – all of which need multi-agency working to be achieved, and are powerful tools in dealing with antisocial behaviour.

Karl Baldwin, Chief Superintendent with Merseyside Police and chair of the partnership, said: “People have told us how antisocial behaviour really impacts their lives, and how at times, they’re not sure who to turn to.

“We know that the causes of antisocial behaviour are complex, and that it takes the right agency, at the right time, with the right approach to stop it – but throughout the golden thread is agencies coordinating their efforts, sharing information and tackling the problem together. When the public asks ‘who is responsible for dealing with antisocial behaviour’, we are striving for the answer to be ‘we all are: together’.

“Merseyside Police has recently published its full Antisocial Behaviour Action Plan, so everyone can see exactly what we’re committed to doing. The plan makes it clear, that for people to get the best outcome, the right agency, with the right resources and tools needs to step in – but always supported by partners.’

“The perception that, because there are no blue lights after a report of antisocial behaviour, the police are treating it like a minor incident, is something we’re working hard to change. Every one of those reports is evidence for when we take one of these orders to court. It’s not minor to you, it’s not minor to us.

“Our goal, as The Merseyside Antisocial Behaviour Partnership, is more transparency. We want to give the public access to more information about the work happening behind the scenes; I’d encourage people to visit the website and look at what we’re doing and what we’re committed to.”

Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “Antisocial behaviour causes real anxiety and disruption in people’s daily lives, and too often residents tell me they feel passed from pillar to post when trying to get help. The launch of this partnership is our commitment to changing that.

“By bringing together more than 20 organisations from across our region including councils, housing providers, charities, we are creating a united front – one that is proactive, coordinated and focused on early intervention.

“No single agency can tackle antisocial behaviour alone. When partners share information, use all the tools available, and act together, we can protect victims more effectively and stop problems from escalating.

“This is about delivering the consistent, joined up response the public rightly expects. It’s about putting communities first, being open about the action we’re taking, and ensuring people can see and feel the difference.

“I want every resident to know that we take antisocial behaviour seriously, we hear their concerns, and we are working collectively to make every neighbourhood safer, stronger and more resilient.”

Joanne Danaher, Director of Neighbourhoods at Onward Homes, said: “We take all instances of antisocial behaviour and the effects this has on our communities extremely seriously.”

“We are committed to working collaboratively with the police, local authorities, and other partners to tackle antisocial behaviour and safeguard our communities, and through this newly formed partnership, will continue to take decisive action whenever necessary to ensure that everyone can feel safe and supported in their homes and neighbourhoods.”

Overall, antisocial behaviour in Merseyside has fallen across the last year, but some areas experience significant seasonal increases, and require additional diversionary investment and police and council powers to tackle. The Merseyside Antisocial Behaviour Partnership will meet in full on a quarterly basis, with partners working together to strategically target those issues.