Anti-social behaviour can be a challenging problem and covers a wide range of unacceptable activity that ruins the lives of individuals, communities and the environment on a daily basis. Victims of persistent anti-social behaviour can be left feeling alarmed and harassed and with a greatly reduced quality of life.
When considering the response to a complaint of anti-social behaviour and the level of action that would be the most appropriate using anti-social behaviour powers, the council and other agencies need to consider the impact that the behaviour is having on victims and communities and the debilitating and cumulative impact that repeated anti-social behaviour can have on people if it persists over a period of time.
The response to anti-social behaviour may require collaborative working between different agencies to determine the most appropriate solution. Action taken can range from preventative action when agencies intervene early to prevent problems from escalating or tackling the underlying causes of ASB to fines and prosecutions.
On receiving complaints relating to anti-social behaviour, we will ensure that victims or complainants are kept informed while consideration is being given to deciding the most appropriate response, and that they are informed about the intended course of action.
We will not require a victim of anti-social behaviour to take an action that is against their wishes. Where necessary and possible we will provide support to victims, often through other agencies.
What action can we take?
- Informal words of advice (early intervention/door stepping)
- Verbal warning
- Written warning
- Acceptable behaviour contracts
- Parenting contracts
- Support and counselling
- Noise monitoring and advisory letter
- Community protection warning and notice
- Restorative justice
- Civil Injunction
- Public Space Protection Orders
- Closure Order
- Fixed Penalty Notice
- Caution/conditional caution
When is a case concluded?
The Anti-Social Behaviour Team will consider a case concluded in the following circumstances:
- The expectations of the complainant have been met
- The anti-social behaviour has ceased
- The anti-social behaviour has been reduced to a level that the complainant finds acceptable in the circumstances
- The anti-social behaviour has been reduced and to attempt to reduce it further would be unrealistic or would require disproportionate action / use of resources
- If following enquiries it transpires that criminal offences have occurred, the case may be handed to the police and the ASB unit will act in a supporting role
- Where the complainant has failed to engage with the ASB unit
- Where the complainant has behaved in an inappropriate, threatening, aggressive or abusive way to officers, or has mislead them
- Where the complainant is an active party to the overall ASB problem and has failed to desist when required to do so by officers
- Where the complainant has failed to take any action or desist in any action when requested to do so by officers, and in doing so has contributed to the continuance of the case
- Where the case has been investigated and the behaviour complained of has been deemed not to fall within the definition of anti-social behaviour as defined by the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014
Last updated: 12 July 2018