Anti Social Behaviour

'Don't let anti social behaviour ruin your life'

What is the definition of Anti Social Behaviour?

"Behaviour that has caused or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons not of the same household as himself"

Examples:

• shouting
• swearing
• spitting
• criminal damage
• throwing missiles
• litter
• drunkenness
• abusive to passers by
• intimidation
• threats of violence or playing loud music.

If I complain what happens next?

• Evidence will be gathered.
• Warning letters will be sent out to the offender(s).
• The offender(s) may be offered to enter into an Acceptable Behaviour Contract.
• If this fails then an Anti Social Behaviour Order may be applied for.

In addition to any other criminal court action, there may be civil court action to protect the community.

Tackling Anti Social Behaviour in Solihull

The Anti Social Behaviour Orders (ASBO) were brought in by the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to address countrywide problems of anti social behaviour.

Information about Anti Social Behaviour Orders

ASBO's are not suitable for solving neighbour disputes unless the situation escalates into acts of anti social behaviour.

ASBO's are not an alternative to criminal proceedings that may be running in parallel to the ASB investigation.

An ASBO should be taken very seriously. If breached it could result in the offender being sentenced to a 5-year term of imprisonment.

ASBO's will not be granted by the courts unless they feel there is a serious need for one to protect the community.

The case will be heard before the Magistrates Court who, if satisfied with the evidence, will grant an order.

Orders can be granted to anyone over the age of 10 years. They can last for the rest of their life and cover England and Wales.

Things you can do

Talk to your neighbour or to the young person concerned politely to tell them how their behaviour is affecting you. If the anti social behaviour persists:

Contact the police - when reporting the incidents to the police please ask for the details of the person you are talking to and the log number that your complaint will generate.

Or if the perpetrator resides in local authority housing contact the local housing officer to register your complaint. Record the name of the housing officer you are speaking to. They may refer you to the police.

It is your responsibility to take ownership of the problems that are affecting you.

You will be asked to complete a diary with details, dates, times and events.

Take photographs for evidence if this does not put you in danger.

Report incidents to the police and the local authority.

The Police and the Local Authority will recognise the distress caused by anti social behaviour and will support you and your family.

When the police or local authority are involved you may be asked to take ownership of the problem by:

• Completing a diary sheet
• Take photos or video for evidence, if this is appropriate and doesn't put you in danger.
• Reports incidents to us and the police, (noting down the police log number and name of the person receiving your complaint).

• Talk to your neighbours who may be suffering problems and ask them to keep diaries.

Contact Details

Anti Social Behaviour Co-ordinator Tel: 0121 717 1515

 Email: cdrp@solihull.gov.uk

Telephone support and links:

• West Midlands Police 0845 113 5000 In an EMERGENCY always phone 999
• Crime Stoppers 0800 555 111
• Child Line 0800 1111
• Victim Support 0121 745 7400
• Citizens Advice 0870 751 0955
• Connexions Service 0121 248 8000
• Youth Services 0121 704 6400
• Graffiti Help line 0121 717 1580
• Solihull MBC 0121 704 6000
• Solihull Community Housing 0121 717 1515
  Email: info@solihullcommunityhousing.org.uk