Anti-social behaviour
What is anti-social behaviour?
The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 defines anti-social behaviour as:
“acting in a manner that caused or was likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons not of the same household as the complainant”
Anti-social behaviour is unacceptable behaviour that can blight people’s lives. Examples include:
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Nuisance neighbours;
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Vandalism, graffiti and fly posting;
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People dealing and buying drugs on the street;
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People dumping rubbish and abandoning cars;
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Begging and anti-social drinking;
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Misusing fireworks;
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Reckless driving of mini-motorbikes;
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Prostitution;
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Intimidation/harassment; and
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Vehicle related nuisance.
Why does it happen?
Anti-social behaviour can happen for a variety of reasons. These include:
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Community life e.g. lack of community spirit;
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School e.g. truancy;
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Poor parenting e.g. poor child/parent relationship;
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Environment e.g. living in a neglected area; and
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Individual factor e.g. drugs and alcohol as well as other reasons.
How to report anti-social behaviour in your area
It is essential that you call the Service Centre on 0300 303 1771 to report any anti-social behaviour. All reports will be logged, recorded and actioned according to the Groups anti-social behaviour policies. You can also email the service centre on service.centre@shgroup.org.uk
All information reported to the service centre or to any company representative is treated strictly in confidence.
What happens next?
The Customer Service Centre then create an APP Case (Authority Public Protection system) which is either dealt with over the telephone if it is easily resolved i.e. advice with regard to reporting noise nuisance to the Environmental Health department of the local authority or allocated to the Resident Services Officer responsible for that property.
If the anti-social behaviour reported is domestic violence, a hate crime, or a high risk case, it is automatically escalated to the Resident Services Manager.
Cases are allocated by the Customer Service Centre to the Resident Services Officers for investigation, involving the Anti-social Behaviour Caseworker when necessary.
The Anti-social Behaviour Caseworker is usually involved when the court process is commenced, i.e. for information gathering, statement taking and liaising with other agencies.
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