Antisocial behaviour

We understand that antisocial behaviour can really spoil your enjoyment of your home and neighbourhood and will do all we can to ensure you feel safe in your community.

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What is antisocial behaviour?

Antisocial behaviour (ASB) is when someone’s activity or behaviour makes you feel harassed, frightened or distressed. For it to be considered as ASB the activity needs to be frequent or persistent and have a major impact on you or the wider community.

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Substantial noise nuisance
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Verbal abuse, harassment or intimidation
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Violence or threats of violence
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Sexual offences or acts of indecency
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Drug use and dealing
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Criminal damage
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Arson
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Brothels or prostitution
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Hate crime
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The use or possession of a weapon

Neighbourhood disputes

If your neighbour is noisy, or you don’t see eye-to-eye about an issue, the first step is to talk to them and try to resolve the issue peacefully. Your neighbour may not even realise they are causing you problems .Only do this if you feel safe and comfortable to do so.

How to report ASB

There are several different agencies involved in tackling antisocial behaviour (ASB). For whg customers, the main three are the police, your local council and ourselves. We all have different powers and responsibilities so working together is the best way to find a solution.

Report ASB to us using our reporting tool online. Simply sign in or sign up and go to ‘My neighbourhood’. Or you can report ASB to us on 0300 555 6666.

We will respond to all high risk ASB within one working day, and investigate all other forms of ASB within five working days.

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What we can do

We will:

  • Respond within five working days, or sooner for more serious incidents
  • Ask for the details and evidence to make sure that we fully understand the issue. We may ask you to support us to capture evidence or report incidents to the police and give us the reference number
  • Agree an action plan with you and tell you what we can do and what you can do to help to resolve things
  • Organise mediation to help you solve problems with your neighbours.
  • Keep you informed of any progress and ask you to keep in touch with us until the matter is resolved
  • We may take formal action. This could include injunctions and, as a last resort, even seeking possession of a home.
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In an emergency

If you believe a crime is being committed, or if you have been threatened or assaulted please report it to the police immediately. In an emergency call 999 or non-emergency call 101.

What is not classed as antisocial behaviour?

Normal, everyday activities or problems due to different lifestyles are not normally classed as ASB. As a general rule we will not usually take action on these types of issues.

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A one-off party
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A minor dispute between neighbours
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Babies crying
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Children playing
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Cooking smells
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DIY
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Hate crime

We value diversity and recognise the rights of customers to live in safe neighbourhoods with strong sense of community. Click here to learn more about or approach to hate crime.

Domestic abuse

Everyone has the right to live without fear or abuse in their own homes and communities. If you’re a victim of any form of domestic abuse, or feel at risk, we can offer a range of advice and support. Please click here to learn more.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger please call 999 and ask for the police.

We work closely with Black Country Women’s Aid. You can also ring the National Domestic Violence helpline on 0808 2000 247. Refuge specialise in supporting women suffering domestic violence, and ManKind Initiative specialise in supporting men.

ASB case review – how to request a review of your case

If you have reported ASB and don’t believe enough has been done by the agencies involved to help, you can request a review of your case.

Read more about how it works on gov.uk:

FAQs

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How does whg deal with antisocial behaviour?
We will respond to and start an investigation into all reports of ASB from customers as quickly as possible, and always within five working days. We work with our partners, including the police and local council, to take proportionate action against those causing ASB where the issues are evidenced. We will use the full range of enforcement tools and legal powers available where it is reasonable and proportionate to do so. This could include formal warnings, legal actions, tenancy actions, or referrals internally and to our partner agencies where support needs are identified. More details of our approach to ASB can be found in our Antisocial Behaviour Policy.
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Who is responsible for dealing with ASB?
Many local organisations – including the police, local authorities, and social housing landlords – have different powers, roles and responsibilities to help and support those experiencing ASB. We work closely with partner agencies to tackle issues jointly, giving us greater powers to improve people’s lives.
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How do I report antisocial behaviour?
Report it to us using our reporting tool online. Simply sign in or sign up and go to ‘My neighbourhood’. Or you can report ASB to us on 0300 555 6666. If you believe a crime is being committed, or if you have been threatened or assaulted please report it to the police immediately. In an emergency call 999 or non-emergency call 101.
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Can I make an anonymous report of ASB?
Yes, you can. However, it may limit the actions we will be able to take on your behalf as it is very difficult for us to investigate cases of ASB or take action against perpetrators without your support.
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What can I do about noisy neighbours?
Noise nuisance is a common complaint but not normally considered antisocial behaviour unless it is excessive and regular. Some noise is part of everyday life, especially if you live in a block of flats. This includes things like car horns, doors slamming and children playing.  The first step is to have a chat with your neighbour as they may not realise that their noise is affecting you. If this does not resolve the issue please let us know as there are steps we can take. Your council also has a duty to investigate noise levels that could be harmful to health. If you believe this to be the case you should ring your council’s environmental health team. If you believe the noise might be due to a domestic incident, for instance you can hear shouting, screaming or banging, you should call the police on 999.