Anti-social behaviour

 'Anti-social behaviour blights people's lives, destroys families and ruins communities. It is not about waving a magic wand – it is about giving people the tools they need to claim back their communities for the decent law-abiding majority' - David Blunkett 12 March 2003

• What is anti-social behaviour?
• What should I do if I am suffering from someone's anti-social behaviour?
• Acceptable Behaviour Contracts
• Anti-Social Behaviour Orders
• Other Remedies

What is anti-social behaviour?

There are many interpretations of anti social behaviour and it can cover a broad range of offences and behaviours. The Government definition describes anti-social behaviour as:

"Acting in a manner that causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons not in the same household as themselves."

Remember that if you witness or are the victim of crime, you should contact the police: In an emergency: 999 At all other times: 0845 60 70 999

What should I do if I am suffering from someone's anti-social behaviour?

If you believe you are a victim of anti social behaviour, you should contact either the Police or if you are a social housing tenant contact your housing representative.They will refer your initial enquiry to an officer who will get in touch and discuss your concerns. Alternatively you can report this behaviour through the our Anti-social Behaviour Reporting Line (01243 534700) and we will support you in resolving the issues.

This could include the following measures:

Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs)

This is a written, voluntary agreement between an individual, the police, housing association and district council. There is no need to apply to the courts to action this. ABCs are seen as a quick and flexible response to anti-social behaviour.

Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs)

This is a civil order that exists to protect the public from behaviour that causes harassment, alarm or distress. ASBOs are not suitable for solving one-to-one private neighbour disputes. Always remember that an ASBO is a serious measure which if breached can mean the offender is sent to prison for up to five years. A court will not grant an ASBO unless it is deemed necessary and proportionate.

The case will be heard before the magistrates' court who, if satisfied by the evidence, will grant the order and ban the individual responsible from doing whatever it is that has caused the problem. An order can be made against anyone over the age of 10, living in the Chichester district area. (There is a similar mechanism for enforcing ASBOs outside of the Chichester area.)

ASBOs are not an alternative to criminal proceedings or other civil proceedings that may be underway. You are welcome to approach the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) or a solicitor before formally reporting a problem.

Other remedies

Some disputes such as difficulties between neighbours may be suitable for mediation. Mediation involves parties giving their side of the story to an independent trained mediator who will then work with both sides to try and find a mutually agreeable solution. The law offers other solutions to anti-social behaviour. These may involve compulsory parenting counselling, child curfew schemes or even eviction if the perpetrator is a social housing tenant. For more information, see the 'Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour' leaflet.