Anti-social behaviour

We want to make sure our homes and neighbourhoods are safe places to live.

We are committed to preventing and intervening early to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB), supporting our residents affected by ASB, and promoting a safe environment in our neighbourhoods.

What is anti-social behaviour?

Anti-social behaviour includes a wide range of behaviour that causes nuisance or annoyance to our residents, their families, our staff and others living or working in the community. It is also behaviour that causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress, or using or threatening to use housing for an unlawful purpose.

It ranges from noise nuisance (such as playing loud music or carrying out noisy activities late at night) to serious crimes (such as drug dealing and violence). It can also include things like vandalism, graffiti or fly-tipping.

However, where there are minor issues considered to be everyday living or minor lifestyle differences, we may not be able to resolve these.

How can I report anti-social behaviour?

If the problem is serious or repeated, please report it through our complaints and suggestions form and to the police. Remember that if you witness or are a victim of crime please report it to the police.

What is Catalyst’s approach to tackling ASB?

Catalyst has a victim-centred approach to dealing with reported incidents. We take all reports seriously and will keep people informed of progress, discussing options with them at every stage of the process.

We work with our partners, such as councils, the police and other local agencies, to tackle the causes and effects of ASB, where we have the powers and ability to do so.

We expect residents to take responsibility for their own behaviour and that of their household and visitors. Our tenancies, leases and license agreements place a duty on our residents to respect others and not damage property.

Anti-social behaviour can be closely associated with other serious issues such as hate crime, domestic abuse and safeguarding, and where appropriate, we will follow our policies in those areas.

What can I do about anti-social behaviour?

Minor issues like noise nuisance can often be resolved by speaking to your neighbours yourself – this is often the quickest and easiest way to solve problems.

If the anti-social behaviour is on-going, please contact us using the details above. We’ll give you a diary sheet so you can keep an accurate record of any incidents – dates, times and what happened. This will help us collect evidence which we can use if we need to take the perpetrator to court.

In cases where you feel nothing is being done to tackle the anti-social behaviour you can request a review of the issue through a ‘community trigger’ by contacting your local authority.

What happens when I report it?

We investigate all reports of anti-social behaviour. When we receive a report, we will risk assess it to determine its severity and the support and action required. If you report it, we will:

  • acknowledge your report
  • give you a reference number
  • risk-assess the report
  • ask for evidence – we’ll send you diary sheets so you can keep an accurate record of what’s happened
  • once you have sent us the evidence (diary sheets), keep you informed about the progress
  • develop an action plan to try and resolve the ASB and agree how we will communicate with you throughout.

Please remember that we need accurate evidence from you about what has happened, who caused the incidents and what action has already been taken.

The timescale for a response depends on the level of risk posed. In high risk cases, we will respond as soon as possible – but within one working day. For low risk cases, it may take us up to five days to get back to you.

What Catalyst can do about anti-social behaviour?

To effectively tackle ASB, we use preventative measures, support for victims and enforcement including legal action. Although we always try to resolve ASB through intervening early, interviews and/or mediation, we will take robust action to try to end ASB where early intervention does not modify the behaviour.

We will try to meet both the complainant and the alleged perpetrator, where possible. We will also consider whether to talk to neighbours or other relevant local agencies, where this is appropriate. We will take into account any vulnerability or support needs of the parties involved and ensure these are addressed.

The type of action we will take depends on the situation, and will be set out in the action plan. Examples of action we take include:

  • Writing to the residents concerned and arranging meetings with them.
  • Arranging mediation sessions with the parties involved – this is where an independent person discusses the problem with everyone involved and helps them find a solution.
  • If the problem persists, and there is strong and accurate evidence against the person causing the anti-social behaviour, we will consider carrying out an intervention or taking legal action, including initiating possession proceedings.

Where we take legal action, we will ensure it is reasonable and will take the action most likely to produce an effective solution.

Cases are normally closed with the agreement of the complainant and they will be informed of this in writing. However, there may be occasions where the case is closed without agreement. Complainants can request a review of any decision to close a case.

Anti-Social Behaviour Team

To help us manage anti-social behaviour in our neighbourhoods, we have a specialist anti-social behaviour team which works closely with internal and external partners to tackle ASB. This is a bespoke service that we’re proud to offer to our residents.