New map reveals areas most hit by anti-social behaviour - see if yours is on the list

A revealing new map shows the exact areas that are worst hit by anti-social behaviour, including verbal abuse, fighting and harassment.

The data shows police received 2,517 reports of ASB in Newcastle City Centre, more than anywhere else in the country.

That was followed by Strand, St James & Mayfair in Westminster - which includes Buckingham Palace - with 2,300 reports of ASB, and then Central Blackpool (1,767).

Now you can check our new map for what is affecting your home, as ASB is a common hazard for anyone choosing to live in a busy town or city centre.

The Labour government pledged to crack down on anti-social behaviour in its election manifesto.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has announced new powers for the police and local councils to ban persistent offenders from town centres or from drinking in public spots such as high streets and local parks.

She said: “Too many town centres and neighbourhoods across our country are being plagued by anti-social behaviour, be it street drinking, harassment or vandalism on the high street or noisy and intimidating off-road bikes terrorising our estates.

“Antisocial behaviour chips away at communities’ sense of confidence and pride, undermines local businesses and can have a devastating impact on victims. This cannot be allowed to continue.”

Figures are available for every one of more than 7,000 neighbourhoods in England and Wales apart from areas covered by Greater Manchester Police, as the force has not supplied crime data for last year.

ASB figures are available for neighbourhoods of between 7,000-10,000 residents, which are designated as Middle Super Output Areas (MSOAs) by the government.

The statistics do not include ASB reported at train stations as they are recorded by British Transport Police.

Many police forces and councils across the country are already using existing legislation to clamp down on ASB, particularly in town centres.

At the start of this month, new rules to tackle anti-social behaviour banned the dangerous use of vehicles, including bicycles, skateboards, scooters, and wheeled toys, in pedestrian parts of Guildford town centre.

Meanwhile, certain activities, including begging, loitering and drinking alcohol in the streets, will be banned in Sheffield City Centre from Monday.