Dealing with Anti-Social Behaviour............Together!

Everyone has a right to live peacefully in their home and its surroundings. Equally, everyone has a duty to make sure that their behaviour, and that of their visitors, does not interrupt others' rights to live peacefully in their home and surroundings.

Anti-Social Behaviour is conduct which is unacceptable to the majority of residents who wish to live peacefully and go about their daily lives without irritation, excessive noise, or fear for their safety.

Some anti-social behaviour is of a serious criminal nature; other behaviour may not be criminal in nature but can still affect the quality of life in a community.

Examples of anti-social behaviour include:

• Verbal abuse, threats and assault
• Noise nuisance
• Using or selling drugs
• Dumping rubbish in gardens or outdoor areas of properties
• Criminal behaviour
• Graffiti, vandalism or other damage to property
• Nuisance from parked or abandoned vehicles
• Using motorbikes and mopeds anywhere other than a public road

We recognise that to provide a quality housing service to our customers we must be effective in tackling the problems created by anti-social behaviour. We intend to discourage anti-social behaviour and encourage victims to come forward as witnesses, however, what may be seen as intimidating behaviour by one person may not have any effect on another person, therefore reports of anti-social behaviour may not always lead to a court order or possession proceedings.

If you are having a problem with a neighbour, we would always encourage you to try to resolve it amicably, since your neighbour may not know that they are causing you problems. Talking to the person and explaining the situation can help them to understand the effect that it is having on you and the distress it is causing. Efforts to compromise and trying to see each other's point of view often go a long way towards resolving the problem harmoniously amongst yourselves, however, this may not be appropriate if you feel threatened or vulnerable approaching your neighbour.

If you cannot solve the problem peacefully yourself, or if the nuisance is of a serious nature, contact the Housing Officer for your area who will investigate. Your problem will be treated seriously and in confidence.

There are many ways in which nuisance and Anti-Social Behaviour can be resolved and staff will consider all alternatives and take specialist advice where necessary. Your views will always be considered as part of this process.

Taking legal action can be a lengthy process and we must have enough proof to make a strong case. Keep a written record if a nuisance continues as this evidence will be needed to assist us in taking positive action. If the case goes to court you may be asked if you are prepared to attend as a witness.

There are other things we can do to help others modify their behaviour, for example:

• Acceptable Behaviour Contracts can be drawn up in partnership with the Police and the individual whose behaviour is disruptive. We will also offer them support to turn round their behaviour
• Information may be shared with other agencies and authorities enabling action to be taken if appropriate
• Mediation with a third party can sometimes be effective

We will encourage and support people affected by anti-social behaviour to continue to live at home and work with us to resolve the problem, rather than to move away.

We will always listen to every complaint and try to find ways to assist you with any problems you are experiencing. We will work in partnership with residents and other agencies to resolve situations where people's lives are being affected by the unacceptable behaviour of others. We will not let the actions of a minority ruin the efforts of the majority of people who want to live their lives in a pleasant, peaceful and safe environment.

Freebridge Community Housing has a clear policy in place for dealing with anti-social behaviour in all its forms.