Anti-Social Behaviour
What is Anti-Social Behaviour?
A definition of behaving in an anti-social manner is found in
Section 1(1) of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. It defines
anti-social behaviour as:
a person '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 himself'.
It is virtually any intimidating or threatening activity that
scares you or damages your quality of life.
Examples of anti-social behaviour include:
- Rowdy and nuisance behaviour
- Nuisance neighbours
- Yobbish behaviour and intimidating groups taking over public
spaces
- Graffiti, vandalism and fly-posting
- Dealing and buying drugs on the street
- Fly-tipping - dumping household or commercial rubbish in
private or communal areas
- Aggressive begging
- Anti-social street drinking
- The misuse of fireworks and fireworks being set off late at
night
Anti-social behaviour impacts on individuals, families and
communities: it prevents a peaceful community life and degrades the
environment. It doesn't just make life unpleasant it has a negative
impact on people's lives and it can create an environment where
more serious crime can take hold.
What is not Anti-Social Behaviour?
Although some behaviours are irritating, some are not classed as
anti-social behaviour and will not be investigated by the Community
Safety Team ASB Co-ordinator or by the Police.
Those that will not be investigated include:
- Someone parking opposite your driveway
- Not being able to park outside your house
- One to one neighbour disputes. These maybe referred to a
mediation service for resolution
- Car repairs and DIY unless early in the morning or late or
night
- Children playing outside in the street or communal areas or
socially gathering unless they are swearing or being intimidating
to individuals
- Children playing football for example or trampolining in
their gardens unless they are swearing or being intimidating
- Having a BBQ or party once a year to celebrate a birthday
Noise Nuisance
The Community Safety Team does not investigate instances of
statutory nuisance including noise. The Environmental Protection
Unit can investigate a number of issues in relation to statutory
nuisance, and as such have produced a range of advice leaflets
(which are available to download from the related documents section
detailed on the Rochford Council Environment page under statutory
nuisance). These explain the law and give some suggestions to help
prevent causing a nuisance.
How can I report Anti-Social Behaviour?
If you are, or have recently been, the victim of anti-social
behaviour, you are strongly advised to report this to your local
police, the Anti-Social Behaviour Officer, Community Safety Team at
Rochford Council, or your landlord (if your home is provided by a
Housing Association).
To report to the local Police you can either contact your
Neighbourhood Specialist Officer (details can be found on the Essex
Police website which is available from the Related Links
section) and then select your neighbourhood or contact the Essex
Police non-emergency number 0300 333 4444. If it is an emergency or
you witness a serious crime please use the Essex Police emergency
number 999.
To report to Rochford District Council please contact the
Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinator, Monday-Friday from 9-5pm
on 01702 318103 or email communitysafety@rochford.gov.uk
Alternatively you may wish to report Anti-Social Behaviour by
completing our online reporting form which can be found in the
Related Links section below.
To report to your Housing Association please contact your local
Housing Officer.
What do I do if I am a victim of Anti-Social Behaviour?
If the anti-social acts continue, please keep a diary of the events
that you witness. Detail as much information about the incident(s)
and the person(s) involved as possible, including dates and times
and the effect the behaviour had on you. You can obtain diary
sheets from the Community Safety Team at Rochford Council or from
your Neighbourhood Constable at Rochford Police Station. You may
find that your neighbours are experiencing similar behaviour and if
so, they should also be encouraged to report any incidents and to
keep a diary of events that they have witnessed.
Where are your children?
The Community Safety Team and the Police receive lots of complaints
from residents about young people causing a nuisance, especially in
open spaces late at night or in the early hours of the morning.
Many are justified, others are just a misunderstanding as to why
youths congregate. Please ensure you know where your children are
and what they are doing. It is not a defence when the Police calls
at your home at 1am to return your child who has been picked up in
a park for causing a nuisance to residents who are trying to sleep
or vandalising a community centre to say 'I thought he was sleeping
over at his friend John's house'. You could still both end up in
Court.
It is important to impose boundaries and expectations so they
understand their limitations and learn to respect people and
property. If you are having problems coping with your child there
is help available so please contact us on 01702 318104 or by email
at communitysafety@rochford.gov.uk.
All information will be treated in the strictest confidence.