Anti-social behaviour and harassment
We want you to feel safe and secure in your home and your community. If you find your quality of life is being affected by anti-social behaviour or harassment, contact your Neighbourhood Office or the Council's Hate Crime Unit.
Your questions answered
What action can I take?
If you are frightened because of offensive or abusive behaviour towards you, please get in touch with your Neighbourhood Office. We will need details of the problem so you should keep a diary of events. We will advise you on what to do and give you whatever support we can. Of course, if a crime has been committed, you should contact the Police as well.
What can the Council do?
If a problem is between neighbouring tenants and it involves a breach of the tenancy agreement, we can take legal action against the offending tenant. We take cases of harassment, including racial harassment, very seriously. If the problem is with a private household we will give you advice and support on what you can do. You can also get advice from a solicitor. See What can be done and Abuse and violence.
What if I am worried about a neighbour who is being harassed?
If you think a neighbour is the victim of anti-social behaviour and is in need of help, we may be able to approach them and discuss their needs. We will treat whatever you tell us as confidential.
Can I move to another home?
We will not normally move you but will try to sort the problem out. However, if there is clear evidence that you or a member of your family are in danger we may be able to help you transfer to another property.
What is anti-social behaviour?
Anti-social behaviour is any behaviour which harms the quality of life of residents in an area, causing distress or alarm. It includes noise, drug dealing, theft, vandalism and prostitution. It also includes harassment and hate crime.
Hate crime and harassment is where someone intends to harm or intimidate another person, including Council staff or contractors. It is usually based on prejudice against a type of person for example, because of their race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, religious or political belief, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability or mental condition. It includes racial, homophobic or sexual harassment and domestic violence. Actions can include graffiti, damage to property, written or verbal abuse, stalking, threats and violence.
What can be done
Our Neighbourhood Offices will take tough action against anti-social behaviour. If we receive a complaint about the anti-social behaviour of a neighbour, any member of their household or a visitor, we will investigate the problem thoroughly and will take appropriate action. This could be a warning letter, an injunction or a behaviour contract or order, or even ending your tenancy. We will work with other agencies to deal with such behaviour, including the Police (if you agree).
We have set up an Estate Safety Team who actively tackle fraud and pirate radio, and serious cases of crime on our estates.
Drug dealing and harassment offences. We will evict you if you, or anyone living or lodging with you or visiting you is convicted of harassment or drug dealing.
