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.