Definition of Anti Social Behaviour
Anti Social Behaviour takes many different forms and affects people in very different ways, but there is no doubt that it has the ability to blight the lives of those that suffer it.
The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 defines anti social behaviour as 'acting in a manner that caused or was likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons not as the same household as the perpetrator'.
Some examples include:
- Nuisance neighbours
- Yobbish behaviour and intimidating groups taking over public spaces
- Vandalism, graffiti and fly-posting
- People dealing and buying drugs on the street
- People dumping rubbish and abandoned cars
- Begging and anti-social drinking
- The misuse of fireworks
- Reckless driving of mini-motorbikes
Why is it important?
Anti-social behaviour ruins lives. It doesn’t just make life unpleasant; it prevents the renewal of disadvantaged areas and creates an environment where more serious crime can take hold.
Anti-social behaviour is a major issue in some of the UK’s more deprived or disadvantaged communities.
Anti-social behaviour is also expensive. It is estimated to cost the British taxpayer £3.4bn a year.
Who can I report it to?
You can report anti social behaviour to: