ANTI-SOCIAL
BEHAVIOUR
‘We want our tenants to live in an environment where they feel safe and protected in their homes and community. We are committed to working together to tackle ASB and build better neighbourhoods for everyone’
What is Anti-Social Behaviour?
Anti-social behaviour (ASB) is anything that can cause harm, alarm or distress to another person usually within a home or community.
Examples of ASB:
- Excessive noise or loud music
- Harassment, verbal abuse, racism, sexist or homophobic remarks
- ASB caused by illegal drugs or alcohol abuse
- Threats of violence or assault
- Damage to a property, vandalism or graffiti.
- Domestic Abuse
- Fly-tipping, rubbishy dumping and littering
What can I do about Anti-Social Behaviour?
In the first instance, we encourage you to try and resolve the issue directly with your neighbours. However, if you do not feel comfortable approaching them, or if you have already done so and the ASB continues, please contact us for further support.
How do I report Anti-Social Behaviour?
If you would like support with anti-social behaviour regarding a Brighter Futures property, or if you are a Brighter Futures resident experiencing anti-social behaviour, please contact us.
Call 01782 406000
Speak to your worker
customerservices@brighter-futures.org.uk
Call 999 to report a crime that is in progress or if someone is in immediate danger.
What happens after I report Anti-social Behaviour?
If you have tried to approach the person causing the nuisance but the ASB continues, you can expect a robust and supportive service from our specially trained staff.
We will:
- Request your current contact details to discuss your concerns – we do not accept anonymous report.
- Agree a case plan so you can keep a record of who is doing what
- Ask you to report criminal behaviour to the police.
- Ask for descriptive incident details with timely and accurate information
We consider your report and your personal details confidential. Your details won’t be given to anyone without your permission. However, depending on the incident being reported, there may be a chance that your identity will be obvious to the other person(s) involved.
What can we do?
Before taking legal action, there are various information procedures that we can consider, including:
- Acceptable behaviour agreements and practice
- Warning letters
- Intervention from support agencies
- Requesting police disclosure
- Liaising with Environmental Health
- Diary sheets (e.g. noise)
- Multi agency referrals
- Lising with the police
Where non-legal action has been taken, and there is clear evidence that an individual continues to cause ASB, Brighter Futures may take legal action.
Housing Sustainment Officers can support you to seek legal advice as well as providing emotional support throughout the court proceedings.
Legal action and eviction are generally only used when all non-legal interventions have been exhausted.
Want more information?
For more information on our approach to anti-social behaviour, please download our Anti-social behaviour guide.
Other useful contact details
Uniting Staffordshire Against Hate:
Call: 0330 0881 339
www.staffsvictimsgateway.org.uk
Stoke-on-Trent City Council:
Call: 0800 561 5610
www.stoke.gov.uk/xfp/form/1369
Harmony ASB and Mediation Service:
Email: harmony@victimsupport.org.uk
Call: 0330 1757258