What is antisocial behaviour?
Antisocial behaviour is behaviour that causes someone harassment, alarm or distress.
It can happen once, or keep happening for weeks, months or years. It might be aimed at you, or affect everyone in your area.
It can include:
- loud noise that affects you at home;
- groups behaving in a way that feels threatening;
- harassment or threats;
- vandalism or graffiti;
- drug use or dealing in public places, or near your home; and
- fly-tipping and leaving rubbish out.
Some antisocial behaviour is a crime, and some isn’t. Either way, we can support you.
How anti-social behaviour can affect people
Everyone reacts differently. Some people find it affects how safe they feel at home, or in their area. Some people find it wears them down if it keeps happening.
However it’s affecting you, it’s valid. We will believe you.
What to do if you’re experiencing anti-social behaviour
If you’re experiencing anti-social behaviour
- In an emergency: If you, or someone else is in danger, call 999
- Keep a record: Write down what happens. Include the date, the time, and what you saw or heard. Keep any photos or videos
- Report it:
- To the police, by calling 101
- To your local council
- your landlord or housing provider, if you rent your home
If it keeps happening
- Ask for a case review/community trigger: If you’ve reported the same problem more than three times in six months, you may be able to ask for an antisocial behaviour case review. It’s also called the community trigger. Check with the organisation you’ve reported to.
- Check your rights: If what’s happened is a crime, you have rights under the Victims’ Code. [link: Read about the Victims’ Code]
- Get support: Our Support Workers can talk with you about what’s happening and how it’s affecting you. We can help you think through your options, make a safety plan, and find other support.
Anti-social behaviour as a hate crime
If someone is targeting you because of your race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity, it may be hate crime. Our Hate Crime Service can help.
Other organisations that can help
Other organisations that can help you, are:
- the police
- your council’s antisocial behaviour team
- your landlord or housing provider, if you rent
There may be other organisations near you, who can also help and support. Visit our support directory.
My Support Space:
My Support Space is a free and confidential online resource. It can help if you’re finding things hard after crime.
It includes guides, self-help tools, videos and activities. These can help you make sense of your experience and how you’re feeling. They can also help you move forward.
Learn more about how we can support you.
View our frequently asked questionsContact us
There are three ways you can contact us directly.
0808 168 9291
00:00 – 00:00, Mon – Sun.
