ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOR WHAT IT MEANS AN INSIGHT
( This blog is an objective view of something we all experience)
There is no precise definition of antisocial behaviour. Broadly speaking, it is acting in a way that causes or is likely to cause alarm or distress to one or more people in another household. To be antisocial behaviour,the behaviour must be persistent. There may be a fine line between antisocial behaviour and disputes between neighbours over relatively minor inconveniences, although these may, if persistent, become antisocial behaviour. Antisocial behaviour can include, noise, rowdy behaviour such as shouting, swearing and fighting. Another is intimidation of neighbours and others through threats or actual violence, harassment, including racial harassment or aggression. Systematic bullying of children in public recreation grounds, on the way to school or even on school grounds, if normal school disciplinary procedures do not stop the behaviour. The list is endless and is something we all need to take action against and fully understand.
Abusive behaviour aimed at causing distress or fear to certain people, for example, elderly or disabled people is a prime example of anti-social behaviour anyone doing this is setting themselves up for a fall. Driving in an inconsiderate or careless way, for example, drivers congregating in an area for racing, even things like dumping rubbish, animal nuisance, include dog fouling, vandalism, property damage and graffiti. All of these are antisocial behaviour.
Feel you want to take action about antisocial behaviour? You should first if you feel comfortable about doing so try and establish who is responsible for that behaviour. Again your focus must be on your safety at all times. It is also important to establish whether the behaviour is deliberate or unintentional. What you do will depend on the type of behaviour you are complaining about and on the result you want. You may, for example, want one or more of the following, to have the antisocial behaviour stopped or to get compensation for any damage, loss or injury suffered. Most importantly get an apology. Let’s be quite honest here anti-social behaviour blights people’s lives, destroys families and ruins communities. We recognise that in order to provide a safe and comfortable town for both our businesses and residents, we must be effective in tackling the causes of anti-social behaviour and the problems created by it.
Antisocial behaviour can affect people in many ways, from nuisance behaviour to feeling in danger. The police and local authorites are able to deal with reports of antisocial behaviour across any town or surrounding areas and all reports will be dealt with in the strictest confidence. People often find it intimidating and may sometimes feel threatened when large groups of youths gather in public spaces. You can report any sort of gang crime to the police or call Crime stoppers.
Arson – including vehicle arson should be reported to the fire service (if the fire is still burning) or the police immediately. However,Police or local authorites can investigate and take action through antisocial behaviour teams, be mindful in all cases Police and authorities have zero tolerance of this type of behaviour.
Vehicle nuisance including joyriding and noise nuisance – Can be reported to antisocial behavioural teams or local Environmental Health depending on the type of noise. Neighbour Nuisance – Police and local authorites will work with partner agencies to investigate and tackle issues of nuisance neighbours causing problems.
Hate crime ugly words but sadly it exhists – but once again if there is an immediate danger to you or your property please contact the Police. Fires on private property or in public spaces should be reported to the Fire Service on 999. Out of control Smokey bonfires are common place on most housing estates again inconsiderate behaviour and deemed anti social. Tresspassing, people entering your property or gardens, cold calling, agents etc, difficult one unfortunately as this is not strangely enough classified as a criminal offence, and there is little the Police can do unless you are threatened. You can advise them to leave or physically remove them but you should contact a solicitor and address this legally, or if there is an immediate threat against you personally call the Police on 999. Remember the law is on your side when it comes to protecting yourself or your property.
If you are burgled you have the right to use sufficient force to with strain that offender. To what level of force you have to use to protect yourself or your property is very much down to you. But in recent test cases if you are threatened or your life is in danger and you are forced to defend with counter force- the law does stand firmly with you. Government guidelines on these rulings can be researched online. Here is a very useful website setting out good advice click this link to get up to date information.It is the CPS guidelines on the subject take time to read and fully understand the laws. http://www.cps.gov.uk/publications/prosecution/householders.html
Hope this blog gives you a little insight to what is a very big issue in many towns. One that draws upon resources that could be used in a better way. But sadly we all live in a world where there will always be someone whose mind set thinks they can do what they like. But in all this remember the laws are there to protect you no one is above the law thats a fact. Some think they are and act accordingly but soon realise when action is taken its a mistake.
End: