Anti-social behaviour means different things to different people – noisy neighbours who ruin the lives of those around them, ‘crack houses’ run by drug dealers, drunken ‘yobs’ taking over town centres, people begging by cash points, and litter and graffiti.

Anti-social behaviour creates an environment where crime can take hold.  Respect – for each other and for the area in which we live – is at the heart of strong and prosperous communities.  Anti-social behaviour undermines our communities, creating an environment of fear and neglect.

However, as a society, anti-social behaviour can be driven out of our communities and estates, by taking a stand against the minority of people who are committing this type of behaviour.

What is anti-social behaviour?

‘Behaviour that causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons not in the same household as the perpetrator’.

How do I report anti-social behaviour?

• Direct to the police – 0845 408 7000 (please ask for a log number).
• Contact the Anti-Social Behaviour Unit (ASBU) – ‘It’s your call’ – 0845 605 2222. This telephone is resourced 9 – 5 week days and an answer phone service is available outside these times.
• When a call is made to the ASBU, a decision is made about which agency is responsible.  For example, a noise complaint will be signposted to the noise team in Environmental Protection, and graffiti removal will be given to Swindon Commercial Services.
• If the complaint is low-level crime/anti-social behaviour, we will ask you to complete log sheets for a period of at least two weeks.  This information will allow the agencies to determine what response is needed to tackle the problem, as we need to prove persistency of the behaviour so that action can be taken.
• A copy of the information pack and log sheets are available as a download from this site.

What is the ASBU?

The ASBU is a small unit consisting of a co-ordinator and two investigation officers.

The unit is situated in the Council’s Crime and Disorder Team.

It is important to note that in the fight against anti-social behaviour, it is not only the ASBU involved, we adopt a multi-agency approach.  Other agencies involved include:

• Police
• Environmental Protection
• Housing – both Local Authority and Registered Social Landlords
• Youth Offending Team
• Social Services
• Education
• Swindon Services
• Voluntary sector
• Connexions
• Youth Service

The list is long, but all the agencies recognise that the most important partner we have are those people affected by anti-social behaviour.

What can be done to tackle anti-social behaviour?

There is a wide range of tools available to tackle anti-social behaviour.  Listed below are some of the tools regularly used in Swindon.

Youth diversionary/intervention programmes:

it is clearly advantageous to catch perpetrators or potential perpetrators before they become involved in the criminal justice system.  Therefore, the use of diversionary activities, such as Positive Activities for Young People (PAYP) and SPLASH are useful, particularly in the holiday periods.  Vital partners who assist to achieve early intervention are the Youth Service, who can offer support and guidance, and the Early Intervention Team at the Youth Offending Team (YOT) who offer intensive support to 8 – 13-year olds.

Warnings

These come in two forms – an initial verbal warning and a formal written warning.  At both stages, the police and other agencies are aware of the perpetrator and their behaviour.

Acceptable Behaviour Contract:

This is a voluntary contract, which is offered to those people who have not heeded our warnings.  The contract is between the agencies and the perpetrator, and sets out conditions, which reflect the behaviour of the person.  For example, a curfew if the ASB is committed at night time.  The contract lasts for six months, and if breached, provides evidence to support a possible application for an ASBO.  Throughout this process, additional support is offered to both the perpetrator and their family.

Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO):

This is a court order on an individual who has been identified as committing ASB or crime.  Applications are made when other intervention has failed.  The ASBO lasts for a minimum of two years, and the conditions reflect their behaviour, such as an exclusion from the area where they were causing problems. The application is made in civil court, which means that hearsay evidence can be used.  Therefore, those victims/witnesses concerned about giving evidence can remain anonymous by giving their evidence to an officer to supply to the court.  If the ASBO is breached, it is a criminal offence and the person can be arrested.  The maximum penalty for breach is a 24-month detention training order (DTO) or five years’ imprisonment.  It is important to note that the court need to be satisfied that there is pattern of ASB, and that this has caused harassment, alarm or distress.

Dispersal Order:

This order gives powers to the police to deal with large groups of youths.  The order is placed in areas where there are high complaints about large groups gathering, and importantly the ASB they are committing.  The order is placed in a defined area, and for a period of six months.  If a group of two or more persons in the defined area, either by their presence or behaviour, has resulted or is likely to result in harassment, intimidation, alarm or distress, the police can direct them out of the area, or move them as directed by the police officer.  If an individual refuses to follow the instructions of the police officer, they commit an offence, and can be arrested.

Crack House Closures:

This power enables the swift closure of properties taken over by drug dealers and users of Class-A drugs, such as heroin and cocaine.  A closure notice and an order can be issued if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the premises is associated with class A drug production, supply or use, and it is causing serious nuisance or disorder.  The order remains in place for three months and prevents anyone entering the premises.

Other related websites

The following links will open in a new browser window:

www.together.gov.uk

www.wiltshire.police.uk