Anti-social behaviour helper

Summary of the problem

Groups of people hanging around together in public places, of any age, can cause concern and make residents feel intimidated or worried about going about their business.

Of course, spending time together in groups is in itself not anti-social behaviour or a crime, but individuals or groups can be engaging in activities which are anti-social, such as drunken behaviour, using abusive language or harassing passers-by. This kind of behaviour is not just ‘kids hanging around’ together. If you are frightened or intimidated, if threats are made against you or individuals are acting aggressively, this is anti-social behaviour and you can expect to have the problem treated seriously.

Who can you report the problem to?

• In the first instance, and only if you feel safe to do so, you can have a word with the group. They may not realise they are causing problems or being frightening to people

• If the problem is on your street or in your block, speak to your neighbours to see if they feel the same way

• Report the problem to your anti-social behaviour coordinator or team or local Neighbourhood Policing Team. Use our postcode search to find local contact details

• You can also report the problem to the police using the local force non-emergency number. Find your local number here

• If you are the tenant of a social landlord (the council or housing association), report it to your landlord

• If the situation is an emergency (if someone’s life or health is threatened) call 999

If you are unsure what to do or who to speak to, speak to your anti-social behaviours team. Use our postcode search to find local contact details. If they are not directly responsible they will be able to help you to find who is.

What can be done to deal with the problems caused by intimidating groups of people?

The anti-social behaviour team, the police and social landlords all have powers to deal with problems involving groups of people causing anti-social behaviour. The solution is likely to involve different approaches being used and services working together in order to stop the behaviour that is causing concern. However, you should expect the problem to be treated seriously and for the action to result in the problem reducing or stopping. As well as the full range of criminal powers the police have available, the range of tools and powers available include:

• Warnings to those involved

• Acceptable behaviour contracts or agreements (ABCs/ABAs)

• Enforcing the terms of a tenancy if those involved are tenants or a tenant’s family

• Anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) to stop harassment, alarm or distress. If ASBOs are used, the terms of the order should usually be made public so that members of the public can report any breaches

• Anti-social behaviour injunctions (ASBIs) to stop nuisance

• Parenting contracts and orders where children or young people are involved

• Dispersal orders – an area can be designated as a dispersal zone where there is problem with persistent anti-social behaviour, allowing the police to disperse groups where problems continue

These are just some of the measures available. Whatever action is taken, you should expect the council or the police to keep you informed.