Anti-Social Behaviour and How We Resolve It
What is considered Anti-Social Behaviour
The term ‘anti-social behaviour’ is usually regarded as conduct which causes alarm, distress or nuisance to others. This includes conduct that affects neighbours but can also include the wider community. It is disruptive and can be distressing.
Nuisance is the interference with someone’s right to the ‘quiet enjoyment of their home’ and is harmful or annoying to others. Some examples include:
- Verbal abuse
- Threatening behaviour
- Harassment
- Physical violence
- Intimidation
- Vandalism
- Drug taking or dealing
- Hate crime
- Litter/rubbish/fly tipping
- Graffiti
- Misuse of common areas
- Domestic abuse
- Loud persistent noise
- Not controlling the behaviour of pets (owning banned dog breeds)
Noise Nuisance
We understand that noise from neighbours can be annoying. For noise to be considered a nuisance behaviour it has to be proven to be persistent over time. Perpetrators may not realise they are noisy neighbours. Commonly complainants tell us that they are disturbed by:
- Loud music or television
- Barking or howling dogs
- Noisy domestic activities - sometimes at unreasonable times
- Shouting, swearing and arguing
- Loud banging or doors slamming
If the noise is constant and excessive the Council can take action but sometimes the nuisance can be resolved by the complainant approaching their neighbour to tell them it is disturbing them.
A friendly approach might resolve the problem amicably, when getting the Council involved could have a negative response. Some people don’t realise how far noise travels or how much it can impact others.
If it is safe to do so we advise you to wait until the noise has stopped and speak to your neighbour, in a calm and friendly manner.
We don’t expect you to have to put up with excessive noise, but talking to neighbours first can often stop and prevent a long-term noise problem.
Criminal Behaviour
Most of the anti social behaviour or nuisance that is reported to us can be resolved by our Tenancy Services Team. They take action based on information provided by the complainant. Unfortunately sometimes the behaviour we are told about is criminal and we have to act in a specific way and work closely with the Police. Some examples are shared in this section.
Hate crime is a serious form of anti social behaviour. It is defined as a criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice. This could be because of their disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or transgender identity. We will make a distinction between reports of a general anti-social behaviour and hate crime. Reports of hate crime are treated as a high priority.
Our Commitments
We expect a reasonable level of tolerance between neighbours. Anti social behaviour covers a range of behaviours from low level nuisance to serious harassment. We will make a fair evaluation of a complaint and are committed to the following standards when we respond to a complainant.
- We will act promptly to investigate a report about anti social behaviour
- We will provide a dedicated point of contact for the complainant
- We will seek to understand the impact on the complainant
- We will confirm our intended response in writing
- We will be proactive in contacting the complainant
- We will provide regular updates (at least every 10 working days)
- Where helpful, we will work with other agencies to find a resolution
- Resolutions will be agreed in discussion with the complainant
- A case will be closed in agreement with the complainant if there are no further incidents or no further contact is made by the complainant
What to do if you experience Anti-social behaviour
If you are experiencing Anti-social behaviour from one of your neighbours, please tell us about it. You can do this by contacting one of our Tenancy Services Officers on 01827 715341.
If you experience a serious incident, for example, one involving violence or threats of violence, you should contact the Police by dialing 101 or in an emergency 999.