A woman whose husband was murdered following a spate of unchecked anti-social behaviour delivered a stark warning to Luton leaders, saying lives are still at risk unless more is done to tackle the problem.
Baroness Helen Newlove, the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, told a Bedfordshire Police conference in support of ASB Awareness Week that her husband Garry could still be alive if authorities had taken neighbourhood issues seriously.
Speaking to attendees via a live link, she said: “ASB, when it goes unchecked, can have such devastating consequences. Partnership working is the only way forward.
“The scale of the impact is derived from the continuous nature of the conduct – it is day in, day out, like a dripping tap.
“But when police and partners listen and engage, you are transforming that victim’s experience, and giving a glimmer of light to those drowning in a sea of darkness.”
The conference, held on Tuesday (1 July), brought together police, councils including Luton’s, charities, emergency services and other local groups to share ideas and strengthen efforts to reduce anti-social behaviour across the county.
The number of reported anti-social behaviour incidents in Bedfordshire reached 10,856 in 2024-25 and the event was held ahead of the summer holidays – a period which regularly sees a rise in anti-social behaviour across the county.
Opening the event, Bedfordshire Police Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy said: “Behind each of our anti-social behaviour cases there is a victim — someone whose quality of life is being affected by the actions of others.
“That’s why it’s important for us to prevent ASB and deal appropriately with those committing it, to create safer spaces for the residents of Bedfordshire to live and work. Tackling ASB is central to our mission to serve and protect the public.”
Community policing lead Superintendent Hob Hoque, who organised the event, added: “This collaborative initiative is part of our wider Community Policing campaign to promote awareness and drive meaningful action, alongside partners, during ASB Awareness Week and the whole of our summer partnership plan, under the banner of working #TogetherForBedfordshire.”
