Anti-Social Behaviour
Anti-social behaviour is both a contentious and controversial issue. There is often confusion over what anti-social behaviour is, who is responsible for dealing with it, and what legislation is available to deal with the perpetrators.
Safer North Devon has a responsibility to take a multi-agency approach to resolving issues of anti-social behaviour in the North Devon and Torridge districts. Our Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinator is available to respond to reports of anti-social behaviour from both our partner agencies and the general public.
To define anti-social behaviour we can look to the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, which formerly defines a perpetrator of anti-social behaviour as:
‘A person [that] has acted 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 himself’.
If you are experiencing anti-social behaviour you can contact the Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinator at Safer North Devon on 01271 335241. If at any time you feel you or someone else is in danger contact the Police on the emergency number – 999.
How anti-social behaviour can affect you
Anti-social behaviour can have a number of effects on areas and individuals. If it is not dealt with it can increase the fear of crime in an area which can subsequently create ‘no go’ areas, making life miserable for many people and restricting people from what they want to do.
Prolonged anti-social behaviour can cause long term emotional and physical problems for the victim, some residents may even move away from the area. There can also be damage to local businesses and community groups.
Safer North Devon follows the anti-social behaviour escalation process to tackle individual perpetrators of anti-social behaviour. This is a tiered approach consisting of low level warning letters, joint agency visits, multi-agency meetings and actions such as Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs), and Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs). The process is flexible and the steps can be bypassed if appropriate and stages can be repeated if necessary.
Useful websites
Keep Britain Tidy
An environmental charity and the anti-litter campaign for England. They also run programmes such as Eco-Schools, Blue Flag and Quality Coast Awards for beaches, and the Green Flag for parks to demonstrate practical action.
Three Strikes
Three Strikes uses a football referee style approach to tackling anti-social behaviour, particularly drink-fuelled late night disorder. This website gives you full information on Three Strikes and some help and advice on safe nights out.
www.together.gov.uk
www.homeoffice.gov.uk/anti-social-behaviour/
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/CrimeJusticeAndTheLaw/Typesofcrime/DG_4001652
http://www.respect.gov.uk/
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