Anti-Social Behaviour

Anti-social behaviour (ASB) is behaviour that causes harassment, alarm or distress to another person.

Southway uses the definition of ASB included in the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 which defines Anti-Social Behaviour as:

• Conduct capable of causing nuisance or annoyance to any person and which directly or indirectly relates to or affects Southway’s ability to carry out its main housing management functions.
• Conduct which consists of or involves using or threatening to use housing accommodation owned or managed by Southway for unlawful purposes.

The Trust will take a risk-based approach to categorising and responding to reports of ASB, based on whether a person can live safely in their own home and uses a Category 1 and Category 2 system for these:

Category 1 Reports – these will be responded to within one working day:

• Physical violence, threats of physical violence or significant harm
• Domestic Abuse
• Hate Related Incidents
• Safeguarding where an adult or child are not able to protect themselves from abuse or neglect, include Cuckooing.
• Drug manufacturing/dealing.

Category 2 reports - these will be responded to within 3 working days

Behaviours that may constitute a breach of the tenancy agreement and will be dealt with under Category 2 are:

• Verbal abuse
• Use or supply of any illegal substance.
• Excessive noise e.g., music.
• Dumping rubbish.
• Not keeping your animals under control.
• Offensive drunkenness and
• Shouting and arguing.

The following reports will not be recorded as ASB and will be responded to at the point of contact with advice only (this list is not exhaustive):

• Normal activities within the home during the day
• One off parties and barbecues
• Infrequent and occasional noise disturbances
• Children’s noise and playing
• Occasional dog barking
• Excessive noise from domestic appliances (e.g., washing machines, vacuum cleaners)
• Minor vehicle repairs
• Gossip, including on social media
• Cooking odours
• Staring (where there is no other intimidatory behaviour)

However, an officer may need to respond if:

• There are persistent reports by one or more affected party
• The behaviour escalates and becomes unreasonable e.g., due to the times of the day and the impact on others

This will be by:

• Notifying the person of the alleged behaviour,
• Explaining the impact that it is having on others
• Offering solutions which may include mediation or a Good Neighbour Agreement

Most anonymous complaints will also be responded to in the same way.

In first instances we advise that you talk to your neighbour about the problem. Often your neighbour may not be aware that they are causing a problem.

There are certain circumstances where it is not appropriate to speak directly to you neighbour. For example, if someone has been assaulted, verbally abused, threatened or a crime has been committed.

Here are some useful points you may find useful:

DO

• Be courteous, calm and polite as you are far more likely to receive a courteous response.
• Choose a time that’s convenient for everyone. E.g. not at meal times or late at night.
• Try to create the right atmosphere to discuss the problem. For example, invite your neighbour to discuss the problem over coffee.
• Plan what you are going to say beforehand.
• Describe the nuisance and be prepared to quote some examples of the disturbance if asked, particularly times and dates and how it affects you in your home and garden
• Bring all relevant issues into the open from the start. Keep to the relevant issues.
• Give them plenty of time to express their views. For example, you may need to accept that there may be something that you do that causes your neighbour a problem too.
• Listen carefully
• Accept differences on attitudes and ways of life
• Be open to suggestions for resolving the problem
• Talk about how both sides can compromise. Take the view that together you can sort the problem out.
• Let someone know where you are going, how long you expect to be and arrange for them to call you on your mobile if you’re not back by a certain time.

Another option is to write to your neighbour. Make sure you keep a copy for your records. It is useful evidence that you have tried to resolve the matter and offered your neighbour the opportunity to address the problem. 

DO NOT

• Do not retaliate – this will only make the problem worse and will increase tension with your neighbours, who may make a counter complaint against you. It will undermine any legal action that we may want to take on your behalf, even if you have a justified complaint.
• Do not approach your neighbours when you are angry.
• Do not use threatening behaviour. If you are threatened, walk away immediately, and do not retaliate or become involved in an argument.
• Do not exaggerate the problem. This will make your neighbour defensive and less likely to compromise with you.
• Do not use the opportunity to drag up other issues. Avoid raising past problems you may have had with your neighbours. Remember that you are trying to find a solution to a specific problem.  .
• Do approach your neighbour when the nuisance is occurring. For example, if they are hosting a party, they may be resentful of being embarrassed in front of their guests, or they may have been drinking.
• Do not gang up on your neighbour. If other people are bothered by the same problem, ask only one of them to accompany you.

If you do not feel that you are able to approach your neighbour, you can report the problem to us.

If you are unsure of the identity of the person causing the problem then we may still be able to help, so do get in touch.

If you've spoken to your neighbour and the problems have continued you should report the matter to us.

Click here to report ASB to us.

You can find our Anti-Social Behaviour Policy here.