Crime, threatening behaviour and youth disorder remain the biggest anti-social behaviour (ASB) challenges facing UK businesses, according to new findings from the National Business Crime Centre.
The organisation’s 2026 survey, based on 360 responses from retailers, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), Business Crime Reduction Partnerships (BCRPs) and security providers, highlights the scale and persistence of the issue across trading environments.
A total of 72 per cent of respondents cited crime as a key concern, followed by threatening behaviour (66%) and youth-related issues (64%). Begging (34%) and drug use (32%) were also identified as significant problems.
More than half (55%) of those surveyed said ASB is impacting both their business directly and the wider area in which they operate, underlining the broader effect on high streets and local communities.
Businesses are calling for stronger action from authorities, with around 80 per cent of respondents saying increased police presence is the most urgent priority. Between 55 and 60 per cent want tougher sentencing, while roughly a third highlighted the need for more patrols and greater funding for enforcement.
Improved partnership working between police, local authorities and businesses also emerged as a key theme, with respondents urging better communication, clearer processes and more consistent enforcement.
“This survey reinforces what we are consistently hearing from businesses across the country, that crime and anti-social behaviour is having a significant and sustained impact on both trading environments and wider communities,” Lisa Maslen, lead at the National Business Crime Centre, said.
“There is a clear call for increased police visibility and a more consistent approach to enforcement, alongside stronger outcomes within the criminal justice system. However, it is equally clear that enforcement alone is not the solution.”
Maslen said businesses want a more coordinated, partnership-led approach that addresses root causes such as youth engagement and addiction, alongside stronger criminal justice outcomes.
“A balanced response is essential if we are to deliver safer and more resilient town centres and the NBCC will continue to work with police and partners to strengthen the collective response to ASB,” she added.
Meanwhile, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for ASB, Deputy Chief Constable Catherine Akehurst, said tackling anti-social behaviour remains a key policing priority.
“A key part of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee is addressing ASB. There is now a strategic ASB lead within every force in England and Wales and, as of 1 April this year, ASB action plans have been published to set out clear direction as to how forces are tackling ASB, in conjunction with partners, within their areas,” she noted.
She also pointed to the commitment to increase neighbourhood policing by 13,000 officers and staff over the course of this Parliament.
“While there is still work to do, we have seen positive feedback from communities and businesses who are reporting better relationships with their local police forces,” she said.
Akehurst added that further measures expected through the Crime and Policing Act aim to strengthen the response to ASB and support businesses and communities affected by persistent disorder.