Anti-social behaviour has been defined as any aggressive, intimidating or destructive activity that damages another person's quality of life. ASB can also mean something different to every person and can have a major impact on people's confidence levels.
Antisocial behaviour can come in variety of forms; from being inconsiderate, reckless, and abusive to committing crimes. It is not acceptable and will not be tolerated by Northumbria police or local authorities.
Whilst young people are often perceived to be the main offenders, this is a misconception and adults can also be responsible for Antisocial behaviour.
FAQ
ASB can refer to any situation where someone does something which has a harmful effect on another person or group’s quality of life.
ASB can include:
- Underage drinking
- Groups of young people causing a disturbance
- Illegal use of motorbikes
- Arson
- Vandalism
- Intimidation
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Noisy neighbours
- Rough sleeping
- Aggressive begging
- Dog fouling
- Litter
- Fly tipping
- Smoking in enclosed public spaces
- Loud music
- Graffiti
- Abandoned cars
- Harassment
- Rowdy behaviour
- Cycling or skateboarding on pavements
- Loose dogs
You can contact your local council or contact police directly.
If you do share your name with us, your details will always remain confidential unless you give us permission to disclose them. If you prefer, you can decide not to provide your name but this means we would not be able to update you on what action we are taking.
Unless a bylaw has been imposed by the local authority to run alongside a 'no ball games' sign no legal action can be taken.
It is important to consider what makes the group intimidating. You can contact the local authority’s anti-social behaviour officer or the police to report the situation to them. Keep a diary of incidents to show a pattern of behaviour: the time, place, how many people are congregating. The more evidence there is to establish a pattern of anti-social behaviour the more effective the remedy will be.
- one-off fines (fixed-penalty notices) and penalty notices for disorder
- parenting orders (e.g. getting parents to make sure the child attends school)
- individual support orders to tackle the underlying causes of antisocial behaviour
- noise abatement notices
- injunctions
- moving crowds away from problem areas (dispersal powers)
- drug-house closure orders
- premises closure orders
- possession proceedings
- arrest and jail sentences
