Anti-social behaviour is defined as being “behaviour that causes harassment, alarm or distress to one or more people, not of the same household”. This can include (but is not limited to) graffiti, litter, vandalism, abandoned cars, noise nuisance, harassment and intimidation. In Sheffield we approach anti-social behaviour with interventions and diversionary work and if we can resolve a situation without legal action, we will. However, in some situations, legal enforcement may be necessary and we will not hesitate to take action.
Action that can be taken includes:
- Anti-social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) can be sought by the Police, the local authority, and can also be made when someone is convicted of a criminal offence. Breach of an ASBO is a criminal offence.
- Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs) are agreements made between an individual and the police and local authority that the individual’s anti-social behaviour will stop.
- Injunctions, Possession proceedings and Notices Seeking Possession (NSP) are examples of legal options the local authority can take to put a stop to anti-social behaviour caused by Council tenants or their household members.
- Dispersal orders under section 30 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 can be used to target groups of people who gather on the streets. When an order is in place, the Police can direct any groups of two or more people to disperse and refusal to comply with a direction can result in arrest.
- Fixed Penalty Notices for disorder can be issued by the Police for, among other offences, causing harassment, alarm or distress, and for destroying or damaging property.
Sheffield City Council and Sheffield Homes are working with the Police, the CPS and the Courts to fast track anti-social behaviour and nuisance cases so that they can be dealt with quickly and to provide a high level of support to victims and witnesses.
Reporting Anti Social Behaviour?
- If you need to report an incident of Anti-social Behaviour urgently then please contact South Yorkshire Police directly dialling 999
- Call 101, the new non-emergency number for people across Sheffield to call and report anti-social behaviour – for more information see (link to 101 page on Council website – currently in ‘in your area’ – ‘crime reduction’)
- If you have information about crime in your area, anti social behaviour hotpsots or people you think may be involved in crime you can contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team (link to new page)
- If you live on a council estate or are experiencing anti social behaviour from Sheffield Homes tenants please contact your local Sheffield Homes Area Housing Office
- If you do not live on a council estate and your complaint is about, noise, animals, or unsanitary conditions contact Environmental Services.