Advice about anti-social behaviour

What is anti-social behaviour?
Anti-social behaviour is defined under the Anti-social Behaviour and Policing Act 2014 as conduct that has caused, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to any person.

Examples of anti-social behaviour includes

• Intimidation and/or harassment
• Threatening or aggressive language or conduct
• Persistent unruly behaviour designed to intimidate others
• Using your home to conduct unlawful activities
• Misconduct against persons deemed to belong to another social/cultural group
• Fly tipping/dumping of unwanted items in public spaces
• Fouling of public areas of persons or pets

What should you do if you are experiencing anti-social behaviour?

• Approach your neighbour. If you know who is causing the problem and you feel safe to do so, speak to your neighbour. Explain how what they are doing is affecting you.  They might not be aware of it.
• Consider whether the behaviour is anti-social. Particularly when living in close proximity to others, sometimes your neighbours may do things that are irritating but it’s not anti-social or it may be a one-off.
• Keep a record and write down details of any incidents when they occur.

For emergencies that require immediate attention then please phone the police on 999

How do I report anti-social behaviour?
You can report anti-social behaviour in the following ways.

• By phone
• By email
• In person
• Online

Although you may make reports of anti-social behaviour anonymously, sometimes this can limit the actions we can take.  Please be reassured we will not disclose your identity if you do not want us to.

What happens when a report of anti-social behaviour is made?
When we receive your report, we will agree a course of action with you.  We will work with you to find the best resolution to the problem.  This could be contacting your neighbour to bring their behaviour to their attention.  We will ask you to monitor the behaviour by asking you to complete diary sheets.

What can Keniston do?
Our response to allegations will be proportionate and appropriate.   We believe that in many incidences, anti-social behaviour can be stopped when challenged early enough. Wherever possible we will use non-legal intervention measures.

We aim to stop the problem behaviour and prevent it from re-occurring.  If the case is serious or criminal and other interventions have failed, we may pursue legal action.  Perpetrators can ultimately be evicted for their behaviour.  Where the behaviour is a serious risk to others we will seek an eviction.

We will refer criminal cases to the Police to deal with.

What do I need to do?

What support will I receive?
In all cases we will consider what the support you need and if there are any reasons for considering you are vulnerable.  We will always agree a course of action with you and will not do anything that you do not want us to do.  We will update you throughout the case and keep you informed of progress and any action taken.   We will also work with other agencies if appropriate and, if you wish, refer you to victim support.

Community trigger
As part of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, you can also initiate a review of your case where you think no action has been taken. This is called the ‘Community Trigger’.  It is designed to give victims and communities the right to request a review of their case and bring agencies together to take a joined up, problem-solving approach to find a solution.

The Community Trigger can also be used by any person on behalf of a victim, e.g. a family member, friend, local councillor or other professional person.  This is intended to ensure that all victims are able to use the Community Trigger.   You should contact your Local Authority if you want to use the Community Trigger.