Anti-Social Behaviour
What is Anti-Social Behaviour?
The Government defines anti-social behaviour as:
"Anti-social behaviour is a broad term used to describe the day-to-day incidents of crime, nuisance and disorder that make many people’s lives a misery – from litter and vandalism, to public drunkenness or aggressive dogs, to noisy or abusive neighbours."
(The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014)
Anti-social behaviour covers a wide area and may include:
Harassment |
Joyriding |
Verbal Abuse | Assault |
Intimidating behaviour | Engaging in threatening behaviour |
Criminal Damage | Racial Abuse |
Vandalism | Smoking or drinking whilst under age |
Noise Nuisance | Substance Abuse |
Throwing Missiles | Vehicle Crime |
Graffiti |
What is NOT classed as anti-social behaviour?
Examples of behaviour which would not be considered as anti-social are:
- Children playing
- Personal lifestyle differences
- 'One off' issues unless they are of a particularly serious nature
- Normal living noises such as opening and closing doors and flushing toilets
- Indiscriminate parking such as parking on the pavement and vehicle obstruction
The list does not cover all situations but gives an idea of where we would not take action but where we can offer advice and guidance.
We will always explain if we cannot interevene in a case and sometimes we will direct you to other agencies/departments that may be able to help with the problem.
How Do We Tackle Anti-Social Behaviour?
Information on how we tackle Anti-Social Behaviour
Depending on whether the individual is a juvenile or adult, and the nature and persistence of their anti-social behaviour, we can:
- Serve warning letters on the individual
- Work with other support services in engaging with the individual to try to resolve issues which may be the underlying cause of their behaviour
- Establish Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABC) with the individual
Or in extreme and/or persistant cases we can:
- Seek other remedies including eviction orders where the person is a tenant of a housing association or registered social landlord
- Obtain a Civil Injunction
- Apply to the Courts for an Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO)
- Apply for absolute grounds of possession
We take all reported incidents of anti-social behaviour seriously and will not hesitate to use the full range of options available, if necessary, to tackle the problem. However, enforcement action is not always the answer. The Test Valley Partnership aims to utilise all suitable methods of intervention, including referrals to specialist services and agencies, before resorting to actions which may result in an individual entering the criminal justice system prematurely.
Community Safety Team
The Test Valley Community Safety Team is made up of two council Community Safety Officers.
Together the team investigate reports of Anti-Social behaviour and take appropriate action against those responsible.
They work with:-
- Individuals or groups causing anti-social behaviour
- Repeat victims of anti-social behaviour
- Locations where anti-social behaviour is becoming an issue
For emergencies please telephone 999 or for non-urgent crime or anti-social behaviour please call 101.
Contact Us:
For more information please contact the Community Engagement Manager on 01264 368000.
Email: Communitysafety@testvalley.gov.uk