A GLOUCESTERSHIRE service created to support victims of crime is being broadened to include those who suffer personally as a result of anti-social behaviour.

This new, enhanced service came into effect on Wednesday, April 1, and was initiated by Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl.

It will be delivered by Victim Support, which has over 40 years’ experience of working with victims of crime.

Mr. Surl said: “The Ministry of Justice tasked every Police and Crime Commissioner in the country to come up with a new victim service provider for their county and I wanted something more than we had before.

“In some cases, anti-social behaviour can be more devastating than crime. I wanted a service that recognised the harm caused by anti-social behaviour and was able to support people who suffered as a result because this hasn’t always been the case in the past.

“I am delighted that Victim Support has been successful in the commissioning process as they bring a great deal of experience in supporting victims of crime in Gloucestershire”.

Last year around 25,000 incidents of anti-social behaviour were reported to the police, of which almost half were categorised as personal, including things like loud music, verbal abuse and nuisance telephone calls.

Victim Support will work in partnership with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner with the aim of delivering a professional service and making the experience of victims of crime less of an ordeal by providing the right level of support.

Gloucestershire Victim Support contract manager Wayne Stevens said: “Victim Support is delighted to start this new three-year partnership with the Gloucestershire Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Gloucestershire Police, to deliver much-needed support for people affected by crime."