Anti-social behaviour

Improving the quality of life in local communities.

There is no universally agreed definition of anti-social behaviour. It can range from the dropping of litter to serious harassment.

The law defines criminal activities but defining other types of anti-social behaviour is less clear.

The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 defines anti-social behaviour, for the purpose of local authorities and the police applying for Anti-Social Behaviour Orders, as acting:

"in a manner that caused or was likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons not of the same household as {the defendant}."

Although many types of anti-social or disorderly behaviour may not necessarily constitute a crime, it is the kind of low-level, persistent disturbance that can severely impact on the quality of life in local communities.

In the absence of an agreed definition of anti-social behaviour, tackling some issues has, at times, been difficult because it is not always clear which service is best placed to address the problems.

Behaviour considered acceptable to some may be unacceptable to others and standards of acceptable behaviour vary between the young and old and within communities.

Therefore, understanding and awareness of the needs of others is required to tackle anti-social behaviour effectively.

This demonstrates the importance of operating a problem solving approach within a multi-agency partnership to develop local anti-social behaviour strategies.

Bexley Community Safety Partnership (BCSP) has developed a clear approach to tackling anti-social or disorderly behaviour and has produced a leaflet to explain the process.

A copy of Bexley's Anti-Sociable Behaviour Strategy is downloadable from the right hand menu.

Meanwhile, the leaflet mentioned above, can be downloaded by following the left hand link entitled Anti Social Behaviour Orders.