Anti-social behaviour
Anti-social behaviour is defined by the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 as 'acting in a manner that caused, or was likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to any persons.'
Examples of anti-social behaviour could include:
- noise nuisance
- criminal damage, vandalism, graffiti
- intimidation and harassment
- litter, dog fouling, fly tipping
- drug or alcohol misuse
- nuisance motorcycles
- hate behaviour that targets people because of their perceived differences
This is by no means an exhaustive list. The important factors in determining ‘what is’ and ‘what is not’ anti-social behaviour are the level of seriousness and frequency of the behaviour. There is a balance between tolerating behaviour that we personally may not agree with and ensuring that we tackle behaviour that is anti-social.
If the problem is not too serious, try talking to the person. They may not realise they are causing a nuisance. Be calm and friendly, explain what the problem is and how it affects you. Listen to the other person and try to reach an agreement. If the discussion is getting unreasonable, leave and report the anti-social behaviour.
Support for Victims
Derbyshire Victim Services provide a support service for all victims of anti-social behaviour in Derbyshire. The service is free and confidential and the anti-social behaviour does not have to have been reported to police, or other partner agencies, to access support.
Tel: 0800 612 6505
Email: support@dvssupport.org
Text: DVS to 82228
No-one should have to suffer anti-social behaviour in silence. Partners in Derbyshire want to work with you and support you to deal with it. Our Myth Buster, in the useful documents section, covers some of the misunderstandings surrounding anti-social behaviour.