Report anti-social behaviour (ASB)

Different organisations have different powers to deal with antisocial behaviour. Customers who live in Orbit or other social housing should inform us or their landlord. Private tenants or homeowners and those who witness ASB out in the community, should contact their Local Authority (link to your LA). Serious, criminal or behaviour which is causing an immediate risk to a person should be dealt with by police.

The first and most important step in dealing with ASB is to report it

If the behaviour is serious, criminal or someone is at an immediate risk of harm, you must report it to the police by dialling 999 in an emergency or 101 for non-emergencies and call us afterwards.

If it is not urgent, call us on 0800 678 1221 (press option 1 and then 5) or complete the ASB reporting form.

If anti-social behaviour is reported, we will undertake an assessment to decide whether the behaviour is ASB, a neighbourly dispute or another issue that needs specialist assistance.

If we identify antisocial behaviour, we'll...

• Open a case managed by a designated Tenancy Services Officer or Scheme Officer who will contact you. 
• Take a multi-agency approach to dealing with your case, working closely alongside the Police, your Local Authority and other agencies.
• Assess and consider the needs of everyone who is involved.
• Carry out a full investigation and help gather evidence.
• Use some early intervention solutions such as verbal and written warnings and tenancy management plans.  We may put in a safety plan, if necessary.
• Offer mediation and support through our mediation partner Crime Concern.
• Take legal action as a last resort, if necessary.
• We can’t simply evict someone from their home in every situation where there is ASB. Evictions require a court order and bailiff’s appointments and can take months, if not years. Eviction is only used as a last resort and will only be considered in the most serious cases.

If we identify it as a police or other agency matter, we'll...

• If it's a serious or criminal matter or someone is at immediate risk of harm we’ll tell you to hang up and call 999 for an emergency, or 101. You can call us back when convenient and provide us with a crime reference number.  
• If it’s a safeguarding issue related to children or vulnerable adults we will take the information and refer it to the appropriate safeguarding agency. We may require your consent to share your details.
• If your issue is not related to an Orbit customer or is in the local community, we’ll advise you to contact your Local Authority.
• If your concern is related to domestic abuse, we’ll refer you to a specialist team.
• If your issue is an environmental issue we may refer you to the environmental department at your local authority
• If you have been the victim of Hate Crime, this is a criminal matter and may require it to be reported to the police. We also have a specialist department who can support you.

Can I report ASB anonymously?

You can report anti-social behaviour anonymously, but it makes it harder for us to manage. We’d prefer to know who you are so we can keep you posted on progress and request further information if needed. If you disclose your identity to us, we will not let the perpetrator know who has made the allegation (unless you give us consent to do so).

How should you prepare for the call to report the ASB?

Help us to help you! Gather as much information as you can about the ASB. You may want to record:

• Any crime numbers you have been given if you’ve reported incidents to the police.
• Information to help us identify those who’s causing the issue.
• Photos, videos or recordings of issues.
• A diary or record of when the behaviour takes place and, how often?

Providing us with lots of detail and evidence will help us to build an accurate picture of what’s happening and how we can help.

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Most of us live close to our neighbours, and we need to learn to share the space, respect one another and accept that sometimes, our neighbours are going to annoy us. By being considerate, tolerant, and understanding of others and their different lifestyles, we can help build successful communities.

Often people don’t realise that their behaviour is disturbing others. One-off incidents can be annoying, such as a loud party, but if it only happens every so often, then you should just try to tolerate it.   

If the behaviour is happening all the time and having a negative effect on your life, you should let them know in a friendly way and see if you can work it out together without involving your landlord, police, local authority, or other agencies.

Most people are reasonable and might not realise that their behaviour is upsetting anyone. If its safe to do so, have a friendly conversation and politely ask if they would mind changing their behaviour, explaining the effect it is having on you.

Some tips on approaching your neighbour:

• Choose a time that suits everyone.
• Plan what you’re going to say.
• Be polite, explain the problem and how it’s affecting you.
• Listen to what they have to say.
• Be understanding of different ways of life.
• Be open to suggestions.
• Come to an agreement that suits everyone.

Don’t:

• Approach your neighbour if you don't feel safe.
• Go around when you feel angry or very upset.
• Be argumentative or use threatening behaviour.

If you don’t feel able to approach your neighbour yourself you could ask a friend, neighbour or relative to do it on your behalf. Or you could write them a letter letting them know all of the above.

If you don’t feel comfortable with any of these options, contact us and we can discuss your options.