We are committed to taking firm action against antisocial behaviour, so that ASRA tenants can live their lives without fear or harassment, in peace, comfort and safety.
We expect all tenants to show consideration and respect for their neighbours. It is a breach of tenancy agreement to behave in a way that causes nuisance to others.
Antisocial behaviour can take many forms but includes:
· Noise nuisance – slamming doors, arguments, shouting, playing TV or radio at a high volume, using noisy domestic appliances late at night
· Dumping rubbish or abandoning cars
· Abuse, threats of violence, assault
· Damage to property or possessions
· Badly behaved children or visitors
We always take a victim-centred approach and ensure that our staff are equipped to deal with cases promptly, effectively and consistently.
What you can do
If possible, speak to the person causing the problem. They may be unaware of the nuisance they’re causing and may be willing to help.
Consider contacting other organisations that can help, such as the police (for criminal behaviour), or the school or local education department. Local residents associations and neighbourhood watch groups may also be able to help.
You can also report antisocial behaviour to any of our staff, by letter, phone, or in person at our offices. All staff are trained in dealing with antisocial behaviour and will complete an initial report form the moment contact is made.
What we will do
· Record all cases on a central database
· Interview victims, witnesses and alleged perpetrators face to face
· Offer translation and interpretation services to ensure prompt action
· Work with the police and local authorities
· Refer victims of harassment to appropriate agencies for support
· Where appropriate take legal action
· Repair damage to ASRA property
· Consider making security improvements to the property concerned and immediate surroundings
· Where appropriate, arrange a transfer for the victim to another property
Investigating
Extreme cases: within 24 hours
Definition: serious incidents that include racial harassment, sexual harassment, violence, drug dealings, arson, emergency repairs, abusive graffiti, other extreme behaviour
Very serious cases: within three working days
Definition: threats of violence
Serious cases: within five working days
Definition: frequent disturbances, abusive/aggressive behaviour, drug/alcohol abuse, written/verbal harassment, intimidation, other serious antisocial behaviour
Neighbour nuisance or minor breaches: within ten working days
Definition: litter, access disputes, barking dogs, vandalism, minor noise disturbances, untaxed vehicles, refuse disposal, untidy gardens, and anonymous complaints
Low level cases: normally within 20 working days
Definition: use of communal gardens, cleaning disputes in communal areas, gardening disputes, parking disputes, lifestyle disputes, disputes between children, pet nuisance, malicious gossip
Support
We will normally try to resolve disputes informally by helping those involved resolve their differences. In cases of neighbour dispute, this may involve mediation between both neighbours.
However, in more serious cases we will take legal action which may lead to:
· Eviction (if an ASRA tenant)
· Antisocial Behaviour Order (ASBO)
· Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC)
· Injunction
Legal action will be considered if:
· There’s a serious nuisance or annoyance to an individual, or group of residents
· There’s been a serious breach of the tenancy agreement
· Damage is being caused to ASRA property
· There is likelihood of violence/personal injury
Your housing officer will also advise you of other agencies who may be able to provide advice and support.
If you report any crime to the police, please keep the crime incident/reference number to pass on to your housing officer.