What is anti-social behaviour?
The Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 defines anti-social behaviour as:
“Behaviour likely to cause alarm, harassment or distress to any person."
This covers a wide range of unacceptable behaviour that can have a negative effect on an individual or the wider community the Council look to resolve.
Examples of anti-social behaviour:
- Street drinking, begging and associated negative behaviour.
- Youth related anti-social behaviour.
- Neighbour nuisance
- Fly posting.
What is not classed as anti-social behaviour:
- Children playing in the street/in gardens.
- Young people gathering socially.
- Being unable to park outside your own home.
- A clash of lifestyles including cultural differences or different working patterns
- A one-off party or event
- General living noise
- Criminal activity such as drugs/violence
- Planning disputes
Who do I contact if I am affected?
It is important you report anti-social behaviour to the agencies best equipped to deal with your concerns:
All criminal behaviour including drug use and drug dealing, threats, violence and harassment should be reported to the Police. If it is an emergency, then call 999, in a non-emergency situation you can contact Warwickshire Police on 101 or online at Warwickshire Police - Report anti-social behaviour
If you live in a social housing property or are affected by someone living in a social housing property, please contact the relevant housing association, contact details can be found below:
If you want to report music, noise nuisance, or persistent dog barking please report it to our Environmental Health Team
This Council is responsible for co-ordinating action to tackle anti-social behaviour. Two Anti-Social Behaviour Officers are employed in Stratford-on-Avon District Council.
You can report your concerns online here or phone Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Contact Centre on: 01789 267575
What minimum standard of service can I expect?
The Council is dedicated to a multi-agency approach to reducing the number of incidents of anti-social behaviour and the fear of anti-social behaviour.
We will ensure that:
- Reports of anti-social behaviour are treated seriously, and all individuals are treated fairly with dignity and respect.
- Victims of anti-social behaviour are given as much support as possible, and where appropriate referred to support agencies.
- Where appropriate, offenders are offered support to help change their behaviour.
- Anti-social behaviour reports are recorded and investigated, where appropriate, and victims and witnesses are kept informed of key actions.
- We deal promptly and effectively with any problem reported to us or we pass it to an organisation that we consider may be more effective in resolving the issue.
- All relevant agencies co-operate in addressing any issues of anti-social behaviour; sharing information where necessary and appropriate while adopting a multi-agency problem-solving approach.
- We adopt an early intervention approach, and we work together with all other agencies, making full use of the tools and powers available to us.
What action can be taken?
In South Warwickshire, we believe in the effectiveness of early intervention and operate a tiered response tailored to the particular circumstances of the anti-social behaviour. We employ a wide range of interventions that have proved effective in addressing anti-social behaviour, the most common of which are:
- Advisory and warning letters - are sent to perpetrators or their guardians outlining the unacceptable behaviour and warning that further action will follow should the behaviour continue.
- Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABC's) - voluntary but formal documents signed by the perpetrator committing to stop behaving in an unacceptable way.
- Community Protection Notices (CPN) - to stop the conduct of an individual or body having a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the locality.
- Civil Injunctions - to stop a person responsible from engaging in anti-social behaviour to any person.
- Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) - if the offender has caused anti-social behaviour and been convicted of a criminal offence.
Resolving Conflicts Through Mediation and Conflict Coaching
If you're experiencing neighbour dispute or other conflict, there are supportive and confidential options available to help you.
Mediation
Mediation is a voluntary process that helps people in conflict find mutually agreed solutions with the support of impartial mediators. It focuses on practical, realistic, and future-focused outcomes.
How Mediation Works:
- A mediator visits each party individually.
- A joint meeting is arranged to discuss solutions.
Benefits of Mediation:
- Impartiality: Mediators don't take sides or assign blame.
- Confidentiality: Nothing shared will be disclosed to anyone, including the Council or Police.
- Improved Communication: Helps parties understand each other better.
- Better Relationships: Encourages appreciation of different perspectives.
Conflict Coaching
Conflict Coaching is a one-to-one, confidential service for individuals dealing with unresolved disputes, complaints, relationship breakdowns, anger management issues, ASB experiences, or other difficult situations. It's designed for when the other party does not want to take part in mediation.
Benefits of Conflict Coaching:
- Practical Tools: Provides strategies you can use anytime.
- Constructive Approach: Helps you manage conflict and move forward.
- Effective Responses: Supports you in creating better ways to handle challenges.
- Why Choose These Services?
Both Mediation and Conflict Coaching:
- Improve understanding and communication.
- Reduce hostility and increase chances of long-term solutions.
- Allow parties to create flexible, bespoke agreements tailored to their situation.
- Are free of charge and provided by an independent service.
Contact Mediation and Community Support (MACS)
- Phone: 07594 653530
- Email: admin@mediationsupport.org.uk
- Or complete the online ASB reporting form and request a referral for mediation or conflict coaching.
