Anti social behaviour
Anti social behaviour
We are committed to providing homes that are safe and comfortable for residents to live in. We recognise that sometimes the behaviour of others living nearby can disturb or distress us and we know that this can have a detrimental impact on people’s lives. We will do all we can to ensure that reports of anti-social behaviour are investigated.
What is anti-social behaviour
We describe anti-social behaviour as deliberate acts that cause fear, alarm or distress to another person or community. There is a difference between anti-social behaviour and everyday niggles or disagreements between neighbours. In many instances having a quiet word with your neighbour can sometimes be the best way to resolve a problem. We do understand that it may not always be as simple as that. If you need our help or the situation is more serious, and you don’t feel safe then let us know.
For serious incidents involving violence, threatening behaviour, abuse or illegal activity, if you or someone you know is at risk of immediate harm you should report this to the Police on 999. If the matter is not an immediate emergency, please contact the police on 101.
Our commitment to you
We will:
- Acknowledge reports of serious anti-social behaviour (see below examples) involving criminal activity within 1 working day and all other reports of anti-social behaviour within 3 working days (see below for categories)
- Agree an action plan with you once we have investigated and assessed the situation
- Offer practical ways to support a resolution of the situation
- Make sure our teams are adequately trained to provide you with an understanding, supportive and respectful service
- Carry out targeted events in our communities to prevent anti-social behaviour
- Work with partner agencies particularly the police and the Local Authority to achieve the best outcomes for those affected by anti-social behaviour
- Use the legal powers available to us when needed and proportionate to do so.
We have strong local connections with partners responsible for tackling anti-social behaviour including the police, local councils, NHS, and the fire service.
We hold regular meetings, including the Joint Anti-Social Behaviour Group, Responsible Authorities Group, Joint Action Group, and joint meetings with Environmental Health. During these meetings we discuss emerging themes in relation to anti-social behaviour and action plans to address these points.
You can find more information on the North Hertfordshire Community Safety Partnership here:
As a Community Safety Partnership, we have different roles and responsibilities when responding to anti-social behaviour. As a landlord, our responsibility is ensuring residents comply with the terms and conditions of their tenancy agreement. We will investigate reports of anti-social behaviour and work with residents and partners to find a resolution. However, at times, other agencies may be better placed to take the lead on these investigations, such as the Police when a crime has been committed. You can find more information here:
Some examples of everyday living noises that are not considered anti-social
- closing doors
- hoovers
- children playing
- washing machines
- occasional dog barking
- one off parties
If you are affected by this on a regular and ongoing basis, let us know. We will investigate this and consider ways to help mitigate the transference of the noise.
Unacceptable noise
Some noise (including some of the above) can become unacceptable.
- Persistent, loud noise particularly at unsociable hours (lasting more than 30 minutes per day several times a week).
- Continued and excessive noise during unsociable hours are after 11pm and before 7am.
- Loud shouting and arguing can be particularly unpleasant. If you’re worried about your neighbour’s safety, contact the police.
What should I do?
- Report the problem to us
- Start keeping a record of the disturbances using our diary sheet [Word]
- Report the matter to the environmental health department at your local council.
We expect our customers who keep a pet to be responsible and considerate to their neighbours.
If you’re worried about the way an animal is being treated, you should contact the RSPCA
Dogs and cats
- banned dogs should be reported to us and the police.
- Dog owners should clean up after their pet.
- Dogs who persistently bark should be reported to us and your local Environmental Health Department.
- Dogs should be on a lead in communal areas at all times.
If you’re having problems with cats, buying an ultrasonic cat repellent device for your garden may help.
Examples of behaviour that’s not considered anti-social
- One-off parties
- Children playing
- Occasional DIY
- Unavoidable everyday sounds
- Disagreements between neighbours.
There’s excellent advice about how to deal with neighbour disputes on the Citizens Advice website
Deliberate damage to property is a criminal offence.
What should I do?
Report the offence(s) to the police by calling 101 and make sure you get a crime reference number and the name of the police officer so that we can contact them
Then report this to us including these details.
If you’ve been a victim of crime, there’s a simple summary of your rights on the Victim Support website. If you’ve been a victim of crime, there’s a simple summary of your rights on the Victim Support website.
What should I do?
Report the offence(s) to the police and make sure you get a crime reference number and the name of the police officer so that we can contact them
Then report this to us including these details.
Concerns for your neighbour’s safety – cuckooing
If you have concerns over your neighbour’s safety, or something just doesn’t feel right, you should report this to the Police immediately and then contact us.
“Cuckooing” is when people target the homes of vulnerable people and take over their property for criminal activity.
Signs a home may be “cuckooed”
- A person living alone suddenly starts having lots of visitors arriving at all times, who don’t stay long
- People waiting in cars outside and exchanging cash or small packets
- Increase in litter
- Increase in local anti-social behaviour
- Children not attending school
Report your concern(s) to the police and make sure you get a reference number and the name of the police officer so that we can contact them.
Threatening, violent and abusive behaviour including hate crime (see below) are criminal offences.
Report the offence(s) to the police and make sure you get a crime reference number and the name of the police officer so that we can contact them
Then report this to us including these details.
Domestic abuse
Please go to our domestic abuse page.
Hate crime is when someone is abused, assaulted or threatened because of one or more of the following: their race, religious beliefs, disability, sexual orientation, age, gender, marital status, gender reassignment or because they’re pregnant.
Help and support can be found on the Stop Hate UK website or by calling the 24-hour helpline 0800 138 1625.
You can also report hate crime via www.report-it.org.uk if you do not want to go direct to the Police.
Our team at settle will do all they can to support you – you can also contact us through our website, or you can call us.
Anti Social Behaviour Case Review
Anybody who has reported anti-social behaviour (ASB), can request an ASB case review (formerly known as the community trigger) if they are not satisfied with the progress made on their case.
The purpose is to give victims and communities the right to request a review of their case where a local threshold is met, and to bring agencies together to take a joined up, problem-solving approach to find a solution for the victim.
There is a threshold agreed by each local authority area. For most areas, the threshold is reports of three qualifying complaints of anti-social behaviour in a six-month period.
If you would like to request an ASB case review you should contact your local authority or the police.
You can also discuss this with a member of the Neighbourhood Team or find the information on the relevant constabulary website or visit your local authority community safety page:
Request an ASB Case Review | Hertfordshire Constabulary
Antisocial behaviour community trigger | Bedfordshire Police