What is anti-social behaviour?

Anti-social behaviour

Anti-social behaviour (ASB) encompasses criminal and nuisance behaviour that causes distress to others. Typical examples include: noisy neighbours, vandalism, graffiti, public drunkenness, littering, fly tipping and street drug dealing.

The statutory definition of anti-social behaviour is contained within section 2 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. ASB has two legal definitions depending on where it takes place:

• ASB that occurs within a housing context is defined as behaviour that causes or is likely to cause “nuisance or annoyance”.

• ASB that occurs in public spaces is defined as behaviour that causes or is likely to cause “harassment, alarm or distress”.

Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act (2014)

The Government passed the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 with the aim of reforming the previous legislation governing anti-social behaviour. The six new powers which were brought in were designed to be faster, more effective and centred around the needs of the victim. The six powers contained in the new Act are:

• ASB Civil Injunctions: Prohibits individual from certain activities and/or requires them to attend rehabilitative activities

• Criminal Behaviour Orders: Individuals with a criminal conviction can have this attached to their sentence, placing prohibitions or requirements on offender

• Community Protections Notices: Adults or businesses responsible for environmental issues which have diminished the “quality of life of those is the locality” can be required to remedy the problem;

• Public Space Protection Orders: Prohibiting specific activities in a designated area;

• Dispersal Powers: Individuals conducting ASB in a public space can be directed to leave specified area for up to 48 hours;

• Closure Powers: Access to a building associated with ASB can be restricted for up to 48 hours. Courts can extend the restrictions for up to 6 months.