What is Anti-Social Behaviour?
“Acting in a manner that causes, or is likely to cause fear, alarm or distress to one or more persons not of the same household.”
Examples of Anti-Social Behaviour
- Stone Throwing
- Threats
- Group Intimidation
- Harassment
- Persistently Noisy Neighbours
There are a number of different ways that the Council can use legislation to change behaviours that are affecting or interfering with your life. However, it is often a balancing act between the rights of the complainant and the rights of the alleged perpetrator and as such we have to look to the legislation and case law to provide guidance.
Anti-Social Behaviour
There are three main categories for anti-social behaviour, depending on how many people are affected:
- Personal anti-social behaviour is when a person targets a specific individual or group.
- Nuisance anti-social behaviour is when a person causes trouble, annoyance or suffering to a community.
- Environmental anti-social behaviour is when a person’s actions affect the wider environment, such as public spaces or buildings.
- Rowdy or nuisance neighbours: This covers any rowdy behaviour or general nuisance caused by neighbours, it also covers persistent noise nuisance from parties or playing loud music.
- Animal problems: This covers any situation where animals are creating the nuisance or people’s behaviour associated with the use of animals is deemed as anti-social. It includes uncontrolled animals, stray dogs, persistent barking, fouling and intimidation by an animal.
- Rowdy or inconsiderate behaviour: This refers to general nuisance behaviour in a public place or a place to which the public have access, such as private clubs. It does not include domestic-related behaviour, harassment or public disorder which should be reported as crimes.
- Vehicle nuisance or inappropriate use: This relates to vehicles being used in acts such as street cruising (driving up and down the street causing annoyance and bothering other road users), vehicle convoys and riding or driving on land other than a road. It also covers the misuse of go-peds, motorised skateboards and electric-propelled cycles, and the unlicensed dealing of vehicles where a person has two or more vehicles on the same road within 500 metres of each other.
- Street drinking: This relates to drinking in unlicensed public spaces, where the behaviour of the persons involved is deemed as antisocial.
- Misuse of fireworks: This will include the inappropriate use of fireworks, the unlawful sale or possession of fireworks and noise created by fireworks.
Statutory Nuisance
To fall within the definition of statutory nuisance, an activity needs to be, or likely to be:
- a nuisance
- posing a threat to health
A nuisance is something which is unreasonable and causes substantial interference in the use and enjoyment of a person’s property. It is much more than just an annoyance or being aware of something.
Under the nuisance limb of statutory nuisance, material and substantial interference with personal comfort or the substantial interference in the use and enjoyment of a person’s property is the test. Mere annoyance would fall below the threshold for statutory nuisance.
Loss of Amenity
Amenity, in the context of untidy gardens or buildings in disrepair, is used in its broadest sense, and also includes community issues such as neighbourhood safety and security, and the care, maintenance and preservation of the local environment. It is, therefore, a matter of fact, degree and common sense. Each case is different and what would be considered amenity in one area might not be considered so in another.
Reporting Anti-Social Behaviour
Incidents of anti-social behaviour in your neighbourhood can be reported to:
The Police
Ring 999 in an emergency or 101 for non emergency, or:
The Council
Please report any anti-social behaviour by calling our Contact Centre on 01282 425011 or do it now by completing our online form below.
Calico Homes
If you rent your home from Calico Homes, you should report any ASB to it:
Telephone: 01282 686300
Email: contact@calico.org.uk
Your Housing Provider
If you rent your home from Accent, North British Housing, Places for People, or, other registered social landlord, you should contact your housing provider immediately and ask to speak with the Anti-Social Behaviour team.
Statutory Nuisance
You can tackle statutory Nuisance by taking your own legal action.