Welcome to the Borough Council website for information on preventing and tackling anti-social behaviour.
This site was developed from the Government's Together and Respect campaigns run between 2004-2008.
The Together campaign worked to improve the response to tackling anti-social behaviour by putting the needs of the local community first.
The Respect campaign continued the drive to tackle anti-social behaviour and adopted a broader and deeper approach to intervene early and tackle underlying causes of anti-social behaviour.
The Council will continue to address anti-social behaviour by ensuring all people are given opportunities and by challenging 'problem families' to accept support to change their behaviour. Work will continue to strengthen communities and ensure that public spaces are clean and safe, and victims and witnesses of anti-social behaviour are protected and supported.
No matter how you report anti-social behaviour, all complaints are treated as confidential. So you don't have to worry about your identity being revealed.
What is anti-social behaviour Who can be guilty of anti-social behaviour? What might happen to a person guilty of anti-social behaviour? Breach of an ASBO What we will do if there is an allegation of anti-social behaviour Why do we do this? The ASB co-ordinator's role Evidence required: the two-tier test What you can do Anti-social behaviour Myths and Truths Where you can get help
Guidance states that 'anti-social behaviour' is any aggressive, intimidating or destructive activity that damages or destroys another person's quality of life.
This threatening behaviour causes alarm and distress for law-abiding citizens, and the Borough Council in partnership with Norfolk Constabulary is responsible for ensuring that it is prevented and that those who do it, are punished.
Examples of this behaviour could include:
The list is not exhaustive and in most cases a combination of the above examples may occur.
It should also be noted that whilst each case is considered on its own merits, the legislation was not intended to deal with petty intolerances or minor one off acts, but to deal with serious persistent misconduct that affects the wider community.
Anyone can be guilty of anti-social behaviour either as an individual or part of a group.
ASB co-ordinators at the Borough Council will work in partnership to obtain information about complaints of anti-social behaviour that an individual or group of individuals may be causing. In most cases, set procedures will be followed, but depending on the severity of the situation, we may consider enforcement as an option. If there is evidence showing a pattern of behaviour and that alarm, harassment or distress has been caused, then the offenders may be dealt with in the following ways:
Mediation
The Local authority may assist in mediation between the parties involved so that a resolve maybe found.
Restorative justice
Offending parties making amends for the unacceptable behaviour that they have carried out.
Diversionary activities
A person allegedly causing anti-social behaviour can be diverted to activities which keep them off the street, offer them various skills, and reduce their anti-social behaviour. This may include assistance from outside agencies.
Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC)
This is a voluntary agreement that states the person will not behave in certain ways so as to prevent anti-social behaviour recurring.
Parental Control Agreement (PCA)
This is similar to an ABC, however, this would be issued to the parent or guardian of an individual under 10 years of age. ABCs and PCAs are reviewed at regular intervals and last for a minimum of 6 months.
Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO)
An Anti-Social Behaviour Order is a civil order prohibiting the offender from acting anti-socially and/or entering defined areas and is effective for a minimum of two years but can be for life. ASBOs are not criminal offences until breached and are not intended to punish the offender, but to prohibit them from causing alarm, harassment, and distress.
Breach of an ASBO is a criminal offence punishable by the court and anyone found guilty could receive:
Other factors that may affect the guilty party could be:
The complaint will be directed to the correct department for investigation.
Why do we do this?
Some aspects of anti-social behaviour involves specific acts of law investigated by designated officers and it is important to direct the complaint to the right area.
The ASB co-ordinator's role
The ASB co-ordinator will make initial enquiries to partnership agencies in order to assess the referral and decide on an appropriate course of action depending on suitable and sufficient evidence. This may include advice to the referring agency or, where appropriate, recording your complaint as an anti-social behaviour case. The ASB co-ordinator may lead the case or appoint a lead agency.
The lead agency will be contacted regularly by the ASB co-ordinator for progress updates. However, please note that it is the responsibility of the lead agency to keep the complainant informed.
If the anti-social behaviour persists, then the ASB co-ordinator will arrange an anti-social behaviour conference whereby the relevant agencies will be invited to attend. Decisions will be made as to what actions will be taken. This could result in:
Evidence required: the two-tier test
In order for a court to grant an ASBO, the court must be satisfied that:
Criminal Standard
1) Incidents of anti-social behaviour occurred within the last 6 months and that these incidents can be proved "beyond all reasonable doubt".
Civil Standard
2) The order is necessary to protect members of the public from further acts of anti-social behaviour.
The partnership may be unable to help you if you are unwilling to provide information and attend court. If you are too frightened to attend court for fear of reprisals, then we will endeavour to help you where possible. However, it is up to the court to accept your reason for not attending, and any evidence you supply without attending court will be treated hearsay evidence and weighted by the court as to its evidential value.
Myth: ASBOs are mainly for young people.
Truth: ASBOs may be issued to any person who is 10 or over.
Myth: ASBOs are badges of honour.
Truth: This is only true to those who do not have an ASBO and do not understand the implications of an ASBO.
Myth: Breach of the ASBO is a failure.
Truth: This is not the case as the ASBO is there to protect the public, therefore, should a breach occur, then the offender will be punished.
The Police and Borough Council will offer advice and assistance to help you resolve local anti-social behaviour.
Contact the Borough Council on 01553 616200 or email csnn@west-norfolk.gov.uk. or Norfolk Constabulary on 0845 456 4567.
If you are concerned about your own responsibilities or liabilities, you may wish to consult a solicitor or visit the Citizens Advice Bureau website.
You can also phone the Home Office Action Line on 0870 220 2000 or visit the Home Office Respect website.
Alternatively you can visit the info4local.gov.uk news and information from Central to Local Government.