If you're suffering as a result of any kind of ASB, let us know

If the incident involves a crime you should report it to the police, in an emergency (your property or life is at risk), dial 999.

For non-emergencies dial 101 first and then please call us on 01283 528 528 to let us know.

ASB includes a wide range of unacceptable behaviour that affects peoples’ quality of life, including, but not limited to:

  • Noise, like loud music or noisy parties
  • Verbal abuse, harassment, intimidation or threatening behaviour
  • Hate crime
  • Vandalism and damage to property
  • Nuisance vehicle noise
  • Alcohol-related disturbances
  • Domestic abuse or violence
  • Littering
  • Overgrown gardens or hedges
  • Pet or animal nuisance
  • Misuse of communal areas or public spaces - loitering, prostitution, sexual acts, kerb-crawling
  • Criminal behaviour

Behaviour that we wouldn’t normally class as ASB includes:

  • Household noise due to everyday living (such as babies crying, doors banging, toilets flushing or vacuuming)
  • Children playing
  • One-off parties, barbecues or celebrations at reasonable times
  • Cooking smells
  • DIY in reasonable hours
  • Someone parked lawfully.

How we deal with ASB

When we investigate your complaint of anti-social behaviour (ASB) we will:

  • Treat all information you give us in confidence
  • Give you advice and guidance and arrange support
  • Interview you following your initial report
  • Look into a range of civil and legal actions that can be taken against the perpetrators
  • Advise you about security improvements if your personal safety is at serious risk
  • Advise you on how to fill in diary sheets to record details of incidents and review these regularly with you
  • Keep you updated on the progress of your case
  • Discuss closing the case with you before we close it, and advise you of the reason.

If someone makes a complaint about you causing ASB, we will:

  • Speak to you about the complaint that has been made
  • Tell you what allegations are being made against you and listen to your response
  • Give you the opportunity to rectify your behaviour and help you get support
  • Let you know how we believe you have broken your tenancy or leasehold agreement
  • Where appropriate, discuss options with you, such as an anti-social behaviour contract or a parenting contract, before taking formal legal action
  • Give you written notice of any legal action we intend to take against you, and the reasons for that action.

Where there has been actual violence or the threat of violence, we may make an application for a Without Notice Injunction without interviewing the alleged perpetrator.

If the allegations of ASB include noise nuisance, and if we find that there is noise coming from your property that could be considered a nuisance or annoyance, we will consider enforcement action.

Actions we can take to tackle ASB

Each case is different, and the steps we take will change depending on the circumstances and evidence. There are a number of actions available to us, including:

  • Early intervention
  • Interview with the alleged perpetrator
  • Verbal and written warnings
  • Mediation
  • Restorative solutions
  • Acceptable behaviour contracts (ABCs)
  • Support referrals
  • Family intervention/referrals.

Enforcement

We may take enforcement action such as:

  • Civil injunction
  • Extension of introductory or starter tenancy
  • Possession proceedings
  • Absolute ground for possession
  • Closure order (in partnership with the police and Council)
  • Criminal Behaviour Order (in partnership with the police and Council).

Where enforcement action is taken, victim and witness support is a priority. We may refer you to Victim Support or work in partnership with other agencies to provide support.