Anti-social behaviour (ASB) is a broad term used to describe the day-to-day incidents of crime, nuisance and disorder that can make many people's lives a misery. In general, anti-social behaviour is an action that causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to another person, or group of people..
Examples of anti-social behaviour include:
- Verbal abuse and harassment
- Vandalism
- Substance abuse
- Trespassing
- Drinking alcohol when underage
- Large groups using threatening or intimidating behaviour
- Graffiti and fly posting
- Excessive noise
- Abandoned vehicles
Reporting anti-social behaviour
Such a wide range of behaviour means that responsibility for dealing with anti-social behaviour is shared between a number of agencies, particularly the police, councils and housing providers.
Who the matter should be reported to first will depend on what the matter is, how serious it appears to be and how quickly it needs to be dealt with. As a rule, the more serious or urgent a matter is, the more likely it is to be a job for the police.
All crime should first be reported to West Mercia Police, call 101 (in an emergency always call 999). The police will then contact the council if it is a matter we can help with.
Contacts
- West Mercia Police: 101 (In an emergency always call 999)
- Herefordshire Council: 01432 261761 or click on the above links for graffiti, fly posting, excessive noise and abandoned vehicles.
Anti-social behaviour case review
If you are unhappy with the way an agency has dealt with your case, you should use that organisation's complaints procedure to raise your dissatisfaction. There is also a process called the anti-social behaviour case review which gives individuals and communities the right to request a review of their case of anti-social behaviour, if they are not happy with the response from the agency or agencies who they have complained to.