What is it?
Anti-social behaviour or ASB is the term used to cover a variety of conduct, from low-level persistent nuisance to serious public disturbance. Anti-social behaviour is defined in the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 as “conduct that has caused, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to any person”. Examples of anti-social behaviour include:
- Noise nuisance
- Criminal damage, vandalism, graffiti
- Intimidation, threats, harassment
- Litter, dog fouling, fly tipping
- Deliberate fire setting
- Nuisance vehicles
- Drunken and rowdy behaviour in a public place or drug misuse
- Hate behaviour, targeting people because of their perceived differences.
What action should I take if there’s a problem?
Often issues can be resolved by talking to a neighbour or the people involved in the anti-social behaviour if the matter is not too serious. It is sometimes the case that the person or group doesn’t realise their actions are disturbing you and will change their behaviour once they are made aware. Try to stay calm and friendly during the conversation and listen to the other person’s point of view without interrupting. It is important to remember that anti-social behaviour is not simply playing out in the street. It is not against the law to play with a football in a neighbourhood. Ask yourself whether they are really doing anything wrong.
Derbyshire ASB Hub
Partners working with Derbyshire police have created Derbyshire Anti-Social Behaviour Hub, which is an online resource providing information about:
- What is and what is not anti-social behaviour
- How to report anti-social behaviour
- What action can be taken
- Support that is available for victims
- Information about how Derbyshire organisations work together to tackle anti-social behaviour
- Links to additional information on other websites
Community Safety Partnerships
Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) are made up of representatives from the responsible authorities, which are the:
- Police
- Local authorities
- Fire and rescue authorities
- Probation service
- Health
The responsible authorities work together to protect their local communities from crime and to help people feel safer. They work out how to deal with local issues like anti-social behaviour, drug or alcohol misuse and reoffending. They annually assess local crime priorities and consult partners and the local community about how to deal with them. There are 8 District partnerships in the County and one partnership in the City. If you would like to know more about the community safety partnership in your area then please click on the links below:
Amber Valley
Bolsover
Chesterfield
Derby City Council
Derbyshire Dales
Erewash
High Peak
North East Derbyshire
South Derbyshire
Where can I go for more help?
The Police and Crime Commissioner funds organisations that provide support services for victims and witnesses in Derbyshire. These are free of charge and are available to anyone who lives in Derbyshire. For anti-social behaviour, these support services are provided by Derbyshire Victim Services.
Derbyshire Victim Services
If you have ever been the victim of anti-social behaviour, Derbyshire Victim Services can provide all the help and support you need. Their local team offers a friendly, free and confidential service to anyone living in Derbyshire. It doesn’t matter if you reported it to the Police or not they are here to help you with any practical advice and emotional support.
0800 612 6505
TEXT ‘DVS’ TO 82228
support@dvssupport.org
For more information or advice about ASB see:
CrimeStoppers
CrimeStoppers is an independent charity helping law enforcement to locate criminals and help solve crimes. Anti-social behaviour that is serious, criminal or causing a risk to a person can be reported anonymously to CrimeStoppers. The site also provides crime prevention advice for a number of crimes.