Anti-Social Behaviour

What is Anti-Social Behaviour?

A definition of behaving in an anti-social manner is found in Section 1(1) of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. It defines anti-social behaviour as:

A person 'acting in a manner that caused or was likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons not of the same household as himself'.

It is virtually any intimidating or threatening activity that scares you or damages your quality of life.

Examples of anti-social behaviour include:
• Rowdy and nuisance behaviour
• Nuisance neighbours
• Yobbish behaviour and intimidating groups taking over public spaces
• Graffiti, vandalism and fly-posting
• Dealing and buying drugs on the street
• Fly-tipping - dumping household or commercial rubbish in private or communal areas
• Aggressive begging
• Anti-social street drinking
• The misuse of fireworks and fireworks being set off late at night
• Anti-social behaviour impacts on individuals, families and communities: it prevents a peaceful community life and degrades the environment. It doesn't just make life unpleasant it has a negative impact on people's lives and it can create an environment where more serious crime can take hold.

What is not Anti-Social Behaviour?

Although some behaviour is irritating, some are not classed as anti-social behaviour and will not be investigated by the Community Safety Team ASB Co-Coordinator or by the Police.

Those that will not be investigated include:
• Someone parking opposite your driveway
• Not being able to park outside your house
• One to one neighbour disputes. These maybe referred to a mediation service for resolution
• Car repairs and DIY unless early in the morning or late or night
• Children playing outside in the street or communal areas or socially gathering unless they are swearing or being intimidating to individuals
• Children playing football for example or trampolining in their gardens unless they are swearing or being intimidating
• Having a BBQ or party once a year to celebrate a birthday
  

Report Anti-Social Behaviour

• Tennants of Epping Forest District Council Properties should contact their Housing Officer
• Else contact Safer Communities on 01992 564608 or by emailing safercommunities@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Download the Safer Communiteis Anti-Social Behaviour Leaflet (pdf 654kb)