What is anti-social behaviour?
Anti-social behaviour is something that disturbs others, diminishes their quality of life and the peace and quiet of a neighbourhood.
Anti-social behaviour can mean different things to different people. For example, people living on a large housing estate may be more tolerant to young people playing football outside their property than elderly residents living in sheltered accommodation who may find this intimidating and distressing. Although this is distressing and may be a nuisance, it is not necessarily anti-social behaviour.
Tolerance to noise may also be different. A family with children may accept higher noise levels than a person living alone working nightshifts, who may find the same noise levels unacceptable. Again, although this is distressing it is a nuisance, not anti-social behaviour.
Anti-social behaviour can manifest itself in a variety of ways but some of the common problems include:
- intimidation, shouting, swearing
- graffiti, vandalism and damage to property
- using and selling Class A drugs
- using a house to sell drugs or for any other illegal activity
- verbal and physical threats and abuse
- animals not being kept under control
- harassment including incidents based on race, gender, religion, disability, or sexual orientation
- loud noise