How we tackle anti-social behaviour

Every case is different so there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to anti-social behaviour. What might work well for one person might not work so well for another, so we have a range of actions we can take to help stop anti-social behaviour. 

We work with other agencies such as the police, local authority Enforcement Teams, local mental health services and local substance abuse services. If there are local wardens or community safety teams in your area we can also work with them to help stop anti-social behaviour.

In all cases where a perpetrator is identified we would at least want to interview them. However, we would not contact them unless you agree and it is safe to do so.

Depending on the circumstances of the case we may also use one of these early interventions:

• Verbal or written warnings – setting out further steps we will take if the behaviour doesn’t stop.
• Mediation – a formal meeting between all people involved in the case to discuss the problems and agree a solution.
• Acceptable Behaviour Agreements – where the perpetrator signs a contract agreeing to a set of rules.
• Third party support to change behaviour – if any of the people involved have extra support needs such as mental health or substance abuse issues.

If the situation is very serious and other interventions are inappropriate, or have been tried and failed to stop the behaviour, we will consider using legal action. We can ask courts to agree the following:

• Injunctions
• Closure orders
• Possession orders

Read our Legal action page for more information on the court process and the kinds of orders we use.

Case study: Early intervention to resolve noise nuisance

Case study: Working with the police to tackle drug dealing