Recognising the signs: How to identify Anti-Social Behaviour

Defining Anti-Social Behaviour

Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) refers to actions that cause distress, harm, or general nuisance to others within a community. It includes a wide range of behaviours, including but not limited to harassment, vandalism, noise disturbances, aggressive actions, and intimidation. Such conduct disregards the well-being, safety, and rights of other residents, and it is important to identify these signs early to tackle them and take the appropriate actions.

Recognising the Signs:

• Persistent Disregard for Others: Individuals displaying ASB often demonstrate a consistent lack of consideration for others' feelings, property and well-being. They may act in a way that intentionally upsets, intimidates, or harasses others.
  
  
• Persistent Noise Disturbances: Excessive and ongoing noise disturbances, such as loud music, frequent partying, and late-night disruptions such as shouting and dogs barking excessively, can indicate ASB. It affects the quality of life for those living within the community and is often a source of distress for those living close by.
  
  
• Aggression and Violence: Unprovoked physical or verbal aggression towards individuals or property is a significant sign of ASB. This includes engaging in fights, damaging public or private property, or using threatening language.
  
  
•  Intimidation and Bullying: ASB can occur in the form of bullying and intimidation. This may involve consistent targeting, belittling, or the spreading of rumours to undermine the confidence and well-being of others.
  
  
• Substance Abuse and Public Intoxication: Frequent occurrences of substance abuse, public intoxication, and the presence of drug paraphernalia such as used needles all contribute to ASB. Behaviours such as these pose risks to resident's personal feelings of safety in and around their homes and communities, and can lead to further ASB within a locality.
  
  
• Environmental Neglect and Vandalism: Persistant disregard for public spaces and property, indicate a lack of respect for communal spaces and anti-social tendancies. These occurrences can be littering, fly-tipping, graffiti or vandalism.
  
  

How to Combat ASB:

Firstly, if you witness criminal activity, you should report it to the Police on 101, or if you feel yourself or someone else is in immediate danger, dial 999. If the situation doesn't pose an immediate threat or has been ongoing for some time without improvement, please report it to us either by using our online form, our portal 'My Account' service, online chat or by calling us on 01782 635200. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm.

You have the right to remain anonymous, but please be aware that if you do remain anonymous, the actions we can take are limited. You must be aged 18 or over to make an ASB complaint.