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What can I do about anti-social behaviour?
Many acts of an anti-social nature are criminal offences in their own right and therefore must be reported to the police in the first instance.
The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and the Anti-Social Behaviour Bill 2003 now enables the Police and Local Authority to take positive legal action against individuals or groups responsible for anti-social behaviour.
If this type of anti-social behaviour is reducing the quality of life within your neighbourhood or community – we need the following assistance:
- We require a complainant to report the incident to the police if it is of a criminal nature – noting any Police Log Number at the time the incident is reported.
- For the police to take action against the responsible individuals for any criminal offence they need evidence. This usually requires the complainant to make a written statement possibly giving evidence in court. If however the complainant feels reluctant to make a statement and or attend court the complaint can still be acted upon without the fear of further reprisals.
- Keep an incident diary – The diary is your own personal record of what you see and hear. It needs to be completed immediately where possible, whilst the incident is still fresh in your mind. It should include everything you see or hear in as much detail as possible, this may include any swear words or names that you might have heard and must portray a truthful account of the incident.
Request an incident diary,or telephone the NHDC Anti-social Behaviour Officer on 01462 474298.
- The information recorded in the diary will be used to help the police and the Local Authority to decide if a case has been established and what is the best remedy to be applied.
- A police officer and/or the Anti-Social Behaviour officer will then liaise with the complainant regarding the evidence collected and what course of action is intended.
- Any information the complainant has provided will be held on a confidential database only for the purpose of reducing anti-social behaviour and in accordance with the Data Protection Act. It may be shared with partner agencies where necessary to prevent further crime and disorder.
What happens to offenders?
Depending on who the individual or individuals are (i.e. juvenile or adult) and the nature and persistence of their actions of anti-social behaviour within the community, working in partnership with the police, Housing Associations, and other Agencies including the community we can:
- Serve warning letters on the individual
- Establish contracts of Acceptable Behaviour (ABCs) with the individual if they are aged between 10 and 18 years of age in consultation with a parent/guardian
- Apply to the courts for an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO)
- Seek other remedies, which may result in eviction orders where the individual is a housing association tenant or registered social landlord.