Anti-social behaviour (ASB) is described as any behaviour that causes harassment, alarm, or distress to other people who are not part of the same household. Put simply, it is when someone behaves in a way that disrupts, annoys or harms the community.
Common examples of anti-social behaviour:
- loud or persistent noise (e.g., shouting, loud music)
- vandalism or graffiti
- littering or flytipping
- harassment, intimidation, threatening behaviour
- misuse of public spaces
Key characteristics:
- some acts of ASB are clearly criminal, e.g. vandalism, graffiti, and hate crime should be reported to the Police. Other behaviour, like shouting in the street or gathering in large groups may be considered anti-social behaviour rather than criminal behaviour
- It has a community impact - it disrupts peace and safety, damaging community well-being
Police action on anti-social behaviour
- respond to ASB calls and engage with residents to understand the problem and consider solutions
- engage with problem individuals and with the support of partners consider the suitability of enforcement action
- increase Safer Neighbourhood Team patrols to deter repeat incidents
Sutton’s approach to the prevention of anti-social behaviour
- work closely with partners to identify ASB issues at the earliest opportunity and consider strategies to deter this behaviour
- hold regular meetings with partners to discuss ASB issues across the borough and how we can resolve them (Problem Solving Meeting)
- work with partners to physically improve areas utilising Community Payback;
- hold regular meetings with partners to discuss individuals who are perpetrating ASB and develop plans to deal with this behaviour and support victims (Community MARAC).
As a last resort, where ASB persists and is causing significant harm, the Police, Council and Housing Providers will consider the suitability of issuing orders under the Anti-Social Crime and Policing Action 2014. This may include:
- Community Protection Warnings (CPWs)
- Community Protection Notices (CPNs)
- Closure Orders and Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs)