Anti Social Behaviour
The definition of anti social behaviour (ASB) is established in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. It is defined as 'conduct that caused or was likely to cause harassment alarm or distress'. The appropriate remedy is considered on a case by case basis, subject to legal advice.
The association has very low ASB incidents, but ackowledges that ASB:
- has become a high profile area and the eradication of it in all its forms is a priority for the association.
- can ruin the 'quiet enjoyment' of a home to which everyone is entitled.
- has both an emotional and financial cost to the victims as well as the association (for example, in staff time).
- has a negative impact on people and the neighbourhood – possibly leading to abandoned properties and voids.
- can lead to the decline of areas and damage whole communities.
- can undermine the good work that the association has carried out and our relationship with our residents.
The association believes that residents and tenants have a right to live in peace [quiet enjoyment] in their own home enjoying an individual lifestyle, but must recognise that their neighbours have the same rights.
As the causes of ASB can be varied and it can be displayed in many ways, the association will use a mixture of prevention, intervention, enforcement and support to tackle all ASB incidents.
All complainants will be treated equally and fairly and will receive a responsive service. This also includes the wider community as we may receive complaints from non-tenants.