Ilfracombe Report It ASB Logo

The subject of Anti Social Behaviour (ASB) remains at the very top of agendas across Ilfracombe, with an ongoing multi-agency approach having been adopted to identify and provide solutions to what are complicated issues involving numerous groups and individuals.

One of the problems identified from this ongoing communication is that Ilfracombe suffers from underreporting of crime, particularly ASB. This has been highlighted by Devon and Cornwall Police and recently demonstrated when additional funding was not forthcoming due to Ilfracombe’s lack of officially recorded rates of ASB related crime.

The main aim of – Ilfracombe Report It – Stop ASB –  is to address this underreporting of ASB across our town.

  • Apathy:  Some residents may not believe that reporting will lead to any action or change, leading to a lack of engagement.
  • Digital barriers: Insufficient knowledge to use online systems or lack of access to IT/Internet. Online systems not being user friendly, easy to find or requiring personal data to create an account.
  • Lack of trust: Some may not trust the police or believe that their reports will be taken seriously.
  • Fear of retaliation: Individuals may be hesitant to report incidents due to fear of repercussions from the perpetrators.
  • Social media reporting: Residents are resorting to social media to highlight issues, rather than reporting directly to the police.

  • Inaccurate crime statistics: Underreporting skews the official crime statistics, making it difficult to assess the true scale of the problem.
  • Misallocation of resources: Without accurate data, police and local authorities may not be able to allocate resources effectively to address the issues.  This equally applies when bidding for additional funding and resources.
  • Erosion of community safety: When residents don’t report incidents, it can create a sense of unease and contribute to a decline in community safety.

  • Encourage reporting and utilise reporting channels: We need to continue to actively encourage residents to use the Ilfracombe Report It! STOP ASB system to report incidents and assure them that their reports will be taken seriously. This makes it easier for residents to report incidents through official channels.
  • Overcome digital barriers: Identify potential IT training opportunities, improve physical access to IT equipment and deploy simpler reporting software.
  • Build trust:  We need to be transparent in our communications with the community to build trust.
  • Community engagement: We need to improve our engagement with the community and address their concerns. This in turn fosters a shared sense of responsibility for public safety.

How to make a report to the Police

  • Is it an emergency? – Does it feel like the situation could get heated or violent very soon? Is someone in immediate danger? Do you need support right away? Is a crime being committed? If so, call 999 immediately.
  • If it is not an emergency?
    • Report it online. Your report will be dealt with by the Police control room in exactly the same way whether you report it online or call them. Online is likely to be quicker than calling 101. This can be done here https://www.police.uk/pu/contact-us
    • Call 101.
    • Speak Face to Face at Ilfracombe Police Enquiry Office, 67-69 Princess Avenue, EX34 9JS is also Monday to Saturday 10am – 3pm.

To report other issues in Ilfracombe such as dog fouling, potholes or defective street lighting click the Ilfracombe Report It! logo or contact the relevant Council direct as per their details below.

Image of the Ilfracombe Report It logo - linked to the Report It page

Ilfracombe Town Council

Call: 01271 855300

E-Mail: itc@northdevon.gov.uk

Click here to access the Ilfracombe Town Council Facebook page

North Devon Council

Call: 01271 327711

E-Mail: customerservices@northdevon.gov.uk

Click here to access the report it page on the North Devon Council website

Devon County Council

Call: 0345 1551015

E-Mail: customer@devon.gov.uk

Click here to access the report it page on the Devon County Council website