Community Safety & Anti-Social Behaviour

Understanding Community Safety, Anti-Social Behaviour, Neighbour Disputes and Public Protection Strong, safe communities help people live, work and raise families free from fear, harassment, intimidation, crime and disorder. Community safety involves everyone, including: Residents. Local authorities. Police. Housing providers. Schools. Businesses. Voluntary organisations. Community groups. This guide explains anti-social behaviour, neighbour disputes, community protection measures, crime prevention and the rights and responsibilities that help create safer communities.

What is Community Safety?

Community safety aims to:

• Reduce crime.
• Prevent harm.
• Protect vulnerable people.
• Improve quality of life.
• Promote community wellbeing.
• Reduce anti-social behaviour.
• Encourage positive community relationships.

Community safety is often delivered through partnership working between agencies and residents.

Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)

Understanding Anti-Social Behaviour

Anti-social behaviour is conduct that causes or is likely to cause:

• Harassment.
• Alarm.
• Distress.
• Nuisance.
• Community disruption.

Examples may include:

• Persistent noise.
• Vandalism.
• Intimidation.
• Verbal abuse.
• Drug-related nuisance.
• Rowdy behaviour.
• Fly-tipping.
• Aggressive behaviour.

Government Guidance

Anti-Social Behaviour Powers Guidance

Noise Complaints

Excessive or Persistent Noise

Noise can become anti-social when it unreasonably affects others.

Examples include:

• Loud music.
• Repeated parties.
• Shouting.
• Construction noise outside permitted hours.
• Persistent barking dogs.

Local authorities may investigate statutory nuisance complaints.

Environmental Health Information

Report Environmental Problems

Neighbour Harassment

Understanding Harassment

Neighbour disputes can become harassment when behaviour is persistent and causes distress.

Examples may include:

• Threats.
• Intimidation.
• Verbal abuse.
• Stalking.
• Property interference.
• Repeated unwanted contact.

Harassment may be both a civil and criminal matter.

Protection from Harassment Act 1997

Protection from Harassment Act 1997

Neighbour Disputes

Resolving Disagreements

Neighbour disputes may involve:

• Boundaries.
• Parking.
• Noise.
• Pets.
• Gardens.
• Shared access.
• Property maintenance.

Where possible, disputes may be resolved through:

• Communication.
• Mediation.
• Housing provider involvement.
• Local authority support.

Vandalism

Criminal Damage

Vandalism may include:

• Graffiti.
• Damage to property.
• Damage to vehicles.
• Damage to public spaces.

Criminal damage should be reported to police.

Criminal Damage Information

Criminal Damage Law Information

Public Disorder

Maintaining Public Safety

Public disorder may involve:

• Violent behaviour.
• Public disturbances.
• Disorderly conduct.
• Group violence.
• Riot-related activity.

Police have powers to respond to public disorder while balancing human rights and public safety.

Community Protection

Protecting Residents

Various legal powers may be used to protect communities from persistent nuisance or harmful behaviour.

Examples include:

• Community Protection Notices.
• Public Space Protection Orders.
• Civil Injunctions.
• Criminal Behaviour Orders.

These powers should be used lawfully, proportionately and fairly.

Community Protection Notices (CPNs)

Addressing Persistent Problems

Community Protection Notices may be issued where behaviour:

• Is unreasonable.
• Is persistent.
• Negatively affects quality of life.

Government Guidance

Community Protection Notices Guidance

Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs)

Managing Public Areas

Local authorities may introduce PSPOs to address persistent problems in public spaces.

Examples may include:

• Alcohol-related nuisance.
• Dog control issues.
• Environmental concerns.
• Persistent anti-social behaviour.

Government Information

PSPO Guidance

Community Trigger

ASB Case Review

Victims of persistent anti-social behaviour may request an Anti-Social Behaviour Case Review (sometimes called the Community Trigger).

This allows agencies to review how reports have been handled.

Community Trigger Information

ASB Case Review Guidance

Community Mediation

Resolving Conflict

Mediation can help neighbours and community members resolve disputes constructively.

Benefits may include:

• Improved communication.
• Reduced conflict.
• Voluntary agreements.
• Long-term solutions.

Mediation is usually confidential and impartial.

Civil Mediation Council

Civil Mediation Council

Neighbourhood Watch

Community Crime Prevention

Neighbourhood Watch schemes encourage communities to work together to:

• Prevent crime.
• Improve security.
• Share information.
• Support vulnerable residents.

Neighbourhood Watch

Neighbourhood Watch Network

Crime Prevention

Reducing Opportunities for Crime

Practical measures include:

• Good home security.
• Secure locks.
• Outdoor lighting.
• CCTV where appropriate.
• Property marking.
• Online safety awareness.
• Community vigilance.

Crime Prevention Advice

Police Crime Prevention Advice

Fly-Tipping

Illegal Waste Disposal

Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of waste.

It can:

• Harm the environment.
• Affect public health.
• Damage communities.

Report Fly-Tipping

Fly-Tipping Guidance

Graffiti & Criminal Damage

Community Impact

Unauthorised graffiti and vandalism may constitute criminal damage.

Residents can report concerns to:

• Local authorities.
• Housing providers.
• Police.

Abandoned Vehicles

Reporting Concerns

Abandoned vehicles can create:

• Safety risks.
• Environmental concerns.
• Community nuisance.

Government Guidance

Report Abandoned Vehicles

Youth Anti-Social Behaviour

Supporting Young People

Some anti-social behaviour involves children and young people.

Responses should balance:

• Accountability.
• Support.
• Safeguarding.
• Prevention.
• Education.

Youth Justice Board

Youth Justice Board

Street Drinking & Public Nuisance

Community Concerns

Persistent public nuisance may involve:

• Alcohol-related disorder.
• Intimidating behaviour.
• Disturbance to residents.

Local authorities and police may have powers to address concerns where necessary.

Hate Incidents in Communities

Protecting Community Cohesion

Hate incidents and hate crimes can affect community safety and wellbeing.

People should be able to live free from:

• Racist abuse.
• Religious hostility.
• Disability-related harassment.
• Homophobic abuse.
• Transphobic abuse.

Stop Hate UK

Stop Hate UK

Community Cohesion & Inclusion

Building Strong Communities

Healthy communities are built on:

• Respect.
• Inclusion.
• Equality.
• Participation.
• Diversity.
• Cooperation.

Everyone has a role in helping communities remain safe and welcoming.

Safeguarding & Vulnerable People

Protecting Those at Risk

Community safety also involves protecting:

• Children.
• Older people.
• Disabled people.
• Vulnerable adults.
• Victims of abuse.
• Victims of exploitation.

Concerns should be reported through appropriate safeguarding procedures.

NSPCC

NSPCC

Ann Craft Trust

Ann Craft Trust Safeguarding Adults

Additional Community Safety & Anti-Social Behaviour

These sections expand the Community Safety & Anti-Social Behaviour Hub and provide further information about public protection, safeguarding, crime prevention, environmental safety and community wellbeing.

Community Trigger (ASB Case Reviews)

Reviewing Persistent Anti-Social Behaviour

The Community Trigger allows victims of persistent anti-social behaviour to request a review of how agencies have responded to complaints.

The review may involve:

• Police.
• Local authorities.
• Housing providers.
• Other partner agencies.

Government Guidance

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/anti-social-behaviour-asb-case-review-also-known-as-the-community-trigger

Community Remedy

Resolving Lower-Level Offending

Community Remedy schemes may allow victims to have input into how certain lower-level offences or anti-social behaviour incidents are resolved.

Examples may include:

• Apologies.
• Restorative approaches.
• Community-based resolutions.

Ministry of Justice

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice

Civil Injunctions

Preventing Harmful Behaviour

Courts may grant civil injunctions to prevent:

• Harassment.
• Threats.
• Anti-social behaviour.
• Nuisance conduct.

Breaches may result in court action.

Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs)

Protecting Communities

Criminal Behaviour Orders may be imposed following conviction to prevent ongoing anti-social or criminal behaviour.

Orders may:

• Restrict conduct.
• Require positive actions.
• Protect victims and communities.

Government Guidance

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/anti-social-behaviour-powers

Closure Orders

Closing Problem Premises

Closure Orders may be used where premises are associated with:

• Serious nuisance.
• Criminal activity.
• Disorder.
• Drug-related activity.

The aim is to protect communities from ongoing harm.

Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs)

Managing Public Areas

PSPOs may address:

• Persistent anti-social behaviour.
• Environmental issues.
• Public nuisance concerns.

Restrictions should be necessary, proportionate and evidence-based.

Government Information

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/anti-social-behaviour-powers

Community Protection Notices (CPNs)

Tackling Persistent Problems

CPNs may address behaviour having a detrimental effect on community quality of life.

Examples may include:

• Excessive noise.
• Waste issues.
• Property neglect.
• Ongoing nuisance.

Housing Association ASB Procedures

Social Housing Responsibilities

Housing providers often have procedures for managing:

• Neighbour disputes.
• Harassment.
• Anti-social behaviour.
• Tenancy breaches.

Residents should be informed about complaint and escalation processes.

Housing Ombudsman

https://www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk

Council Environmental Health Powers

Protecting Public Health

Environmental Health teams may investigate:

• Noise complaints.
• Statutory nuisances.
• Public health concerns.
• Environmental hazards.

Local Council Information

https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council

Street Harassment

Safe Public Spaces

Street harassment may involve:

• Unwanted comments.
• Intimidation.
• Following individuals.
• Verbal abuse.
• Sexual harassment.

Everyone has the right to feel safe in public spaces.

Public Nuisance

Community Impact

Public nuisance may include behaviour affecting:

• Public safety.
• Public health.
• Community wellbeing.

Authorities may use legal powers where appropriate.

Dog Control Issues

Responsible Ownership

Dog owners have responsibilities to:

• Maintain control of their dogs.
• Prevent nuisance behaviour.
• Protect public safety.

Issues may include:

• Persistent barking.
• Fouling.
• Uncontrolled dogs.

Government Dog Control Guidance

https://www.gov.uk/control-dog-public

Dangerous Dogs

Public Protection

Dangerous dog incidents may result in:

• Police investigations.
• Court proceedings.
• Control measures.

Dangerous Dogs Information

https://www.gov.uk/control-dog-public

Fly-Tipping & Environmental Crime

Protecting Communities

Environmental crime may include:

• Illegal waste disposal.
• Fly-tipping.
• Pollution.
• Environmental damage.

Report Fly-Tipping

https://www.gov.uk/report-flytipping

Graffiti & Criminal Damage

Community Impact

Criminal damage may affect:

• Homes.
• Businesses.
• Public spaces.
• Community facilities.

Incidents should be reported where appropriate.

Arson Prevention

Fire-Related Crime

Arson can place lives, property and communities at risk.

Prevention may involve:

• Security measures.
• Community awareness.
• Reporting suspicious behaviour.

National Fire Chiefs Council

https://www.nationalfirechiefs.org.uk

Fire Safety in Communities

Protecting Life and Property

Community fire safety may include:

• Smoke alarms.
• Fire escape plans.
• Home safety checks.
• Community education.

Home Fire Safety

https://www.nationalfirechiefs.org.uk/Home-Safety

Community Cohesion & Integration

Stronger Communities

Community cohesion promotes:

• Inclusion.
• Respect.
• Participation.
• Understanding between groups.

Strong communities can reduce tensions and improve wellbeing.

Hate Incidents & Community Tensions

Protecting Community Relationships

Community tensions may arise from:

• Hate incidents.
• Discrimination.
• Misinformation.
• Social conflict.

Community engagement and support services may help reduce harm.

Stop Hate UK

https://www.stophateuk.org

Radicalisation & Prevent

Preventing Extremism

Prevent is part of the UK's counter-terrorism strategy and aims to safeguard people from being drawn into terrorism or extremist activity.

Prevent should focus on safeguarding and support.

Prevent Guidance

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevent-duty-guidance

ACT Early

https://actearly.uk

Anti-Social Behaviour and Mental Health

Understanding Complex Needs

Some anti-social behaviour concerns may involve:

• Mental health difficulties.
• Vulnerability.
• Substance misuse.
• Social isolation.

Responses should balance:

• Public safety.
• Support needs.
• Human rights.
• Safeguarding responsibilities.

NHS Mental Health

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health

Substance Misuse & Community Safety

Community Impact

Substance misuse can affect:

• Individuals.
• Families.
• Communities.

Support services may assist with:

• Recovery.
• Harm reduction.
• Treatment.

NHS Addiction Support

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support

Turning Point

https://www.turning-point.co.uk

Safeguarding Vulnerable Residents

Protecting Those at Risk

Community safeguarding may involve protecting:

• Children.
• Older people.
• Disabled people.
• Vulnerable adults.

Concerns should be reported through safeguarding pathways.

NSPCC

https://www.nspcc.org.uk

Ann Craft Trust

https://www.anncrafttrust.org

Elder Abuse in Communities

Supporting Older People

Older people may experience:

• Financial abuse.
• Neglect.
• Harassment.
• Exploitation.

Community awareness can help identify concerns early.

Age UK

https://www.ageuk.org.uk

Hourglass

https://www.wearehourglass.org

Community Safety Partnerships

Working Together

Community Safety Partnerships bring together:

• Police.
• Councils.
• Fire services.
• Health services.
• Housing providers.

The aim is to reduce crime and improve safety.

Government Information

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/community-safety-partnerships

Rural Crime

Protecting Rural Communities

Rural crime may include:

• Farm theft.
• Machinery theft.
• Wildlife crime.
• Fly-tipping.
• Rural burglary.

National Rural Crime Network

https://www.nationalruralcrimenetwork.net

Business Crime & Shoplifting

Supporting Local Businesses

Businesses may experience:

• Shoplifting.
• Fraud.
• Criminal damage.
• Violence against staff.

Businesses should report crimes and seek appropriate support.

Crimestoppers

https://crimestoppers-uk.org

CCTV & Community Surveillance

Privacy and Public Safety

CCTV may assist with:

• Crime prevention.
• Investigations.
• Public safety.

Use of surveillance should comply with:

• Data protection laws.
• Privacy rights.
• Human rights principles.

Information Commissioner's Office

https://ico.org.uk

Online Community Safety

Digital Communities

Community safety also applies online.

Issues may include:

• Cyberbullying.
• Harassment.
• Online fraud.
• Hate incidents.

National Cyber Security Centre

https://www.ncsc.gov.uk

Community Resilience & Emergency Planning

Preparing for Emergencies

Communities may prepare for:

• Severe weather.
• Flooding.
• Major incidents.
• Utility failures.
• Public emergencies.

Prepared communities can respond more effectively during crises.

UK Resilience

https://prepare.campaign.gov.uk

Terrorism Awareness & Public Protection

Protecting Communities

Public protection includes awareness of terrorism risks and suspicious activity.

If concerns arise, individuals should report them appropriately.

ACT (Action Counters Terrorism)

https://act.campaign.gov.uk

Counter Terrorism Policing

https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk

Human Rights, Equality & Legal Protections

Everyone has rights including:

• Protection from harassment.
• Respect for private and family life.
• Freedom from discrimination.
• Access to justice.
• Freedom of expression within the law.
• Peaceful enjoyment of their home.

Relevant legislation includes:

• Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
• Human Rights Act 1998.
• Equality Act 2010.
• Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
• Crime and Disorder Act 1998.
• Data Protection Act 2018.

Human Rights Act

Human Rights Act 1998

Equality Act

Equality Act 2010

Key Message

Safe communities are built through partnership, prevention, safeguarding, inclusion and respect for the law. Residents, organisations, public services and community groups all play a role in reducing harm, preventing crime and supporting those who may be vulnerable or affected by anti-social behaviour.

Everyone has the right to live free from harassment, intimidation, violence and discrimination while also having their legal rights, privacy and dignity respected.