Anti-social Behaviour
Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd have an Anti-social Behaviour Policy that advises our tenants on how the Association will respond to Anti-social Behaviour.
Anti Social Behaviour
Anti Social Behaviour (ASB) is “Acting in a way that causes or could cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons not of the same household.” (Crime & Disorder Act 1988)
Examples of behaviour that could be described as ASB are:
- vandalism, graffiti or fly tipping
- noise nuisance
- intimidating or threatening behaviour
- verbal abuse
- racial harassment
- vehicle crime
- firework misuse
- yobbish behaviour and intimidating groups
This is not a full list and other types of behaviour can be classed as ASB.
We have signed up to the Welsh Government’s Standard – a national campaign to tackle anti social behaviour and seek out the underlying causes. You can download a copy of the standard at the bottom of this page, as well as Tai Clwyd’s Anti Social Behaviour Policy.
Any form of harassment, verbal or physical abuse will be considered as serious actions. We cannot accept any form of anti social behaviour in our homes.
What can you do?
Have respect and consideration for your neighbours at all times:
- Keep the sound from your music system, TV and radios at a reasonable level at all times
- Let your neighbours know when you are planning to hold a party, most people will understand that are likely to experience a degree of noise, but do what you can to avoid offending them by keeping noise and music levels to a minimum and controlling your visitors
We want people to help us take a stand against all antisocial behaviour. If you are having problems, do what you can first – for example asking a neighbour to keep the noise down late at night. But if the problems continue, or are more serious, report anti social behaviour; because we can help.
What can we do?
If you make a complaint, we will do our best to help this is our commitment to you. We have a leaflet to explain the steps you should take and a simple checklist for you to follow – you can download this leaflet at the bottom of this page.
We will do all we can to protect you from harassment, nuisance and annoyance, where we have proof of this. We play an important role, working with the community, the police and other services. We can help protect communities from antisocial behaviour and stop it happening in the first place.
If problems are not dealt with quickly, troublemakers feel they can get away with it. We must clearly warn people about their behaviour and act quickly if they don’t change. We will use all the powers the government has provided us whenever it is appropriate.
If you are suffering because of violent behaviour or racial / sexual harassment contact the Police and/or your Housing Officer immediately.
How do I report anti-social behaviour?
There are a number of ways to report anti social behaviour to us. You can:
- Telephone
- Visit our office
- Write to us
- E-mail us
- Speak to a member of staff on site
- Request a home visit
- Fill in our online report form
When you contact us to report anti social behaviour, your Housing Officer will attempt to contact you within one working day to discuss your report.
What happens if and when I report Anti Social Behaviour?
The officer dealing with your report of Anti Social Behaviour (ASB) will arrange an interview with you, which will usually take place either at our offices or your home, this is to enable us to obtain further details regarding your referral.
At the initial interview the Officer assigned to your case will discuss the options available to resolve matters and complete an action plan with you. This action plan will vary depending on the nature of your referral but will include an agreement on how often you will be contacted by us and what action we will take to investigate your complaint.
The Housing Officer may need your help to gather evidence of the ASB that you are suffering and may therefore require you to complete neighbour nuisance diaries detailing the incidents. A copy of the incident diary is available to download at the bottom of this page.
This will be discussed and agreed with you and will form part of the action plan. Your Housing officer will develop an action plan that you are comfortable with and will keep you updated on a regular basis on what action has been taken.
Your Housing Officer will liaise with other agencies and organisations on your behalf if appropriate to ensure that you are provided with any support you may require.
There are times when we may offer support to those causing ASB to help them to change their behaviour.
We aim to protect your neighbourhoods by taking legal action against anyone who is a threat to others, or who has refused to stop acting anti-socially.
As a witness to anti-social behaviour you can help us take legal action against the perpetrators. We will provide intensive support throughout the court case in a variety of ways such as:
- regular telephone calls or home visits from a dedicated officer arranging pre- trial visits to the courts to familiarise you with the court and what will happen during the trial;
- arranging transport to and from the court on the day of the trial providing a dedicated officer to remain with you throughout your court visit;
- working closely with external agencies such as Victim Support or North Wales Police to ensure you have adequate support
Mediation
We want to resolve disputes between neighbours at the earliest opportunity and therefore we offer residents who are in dispute the opportunity to take part in mediation. We use the services of independent organisations that can approach and look to resolve matters impartially and confidentially, and at no cost to yourself.
Mediation is a way for two or more parties to resolve their dispute in a peaceful manner. The role of the trained mediators is to help the parties come to a voluntary agreement together, the Mediators are not there to take sides nor are they there to decide who is right, assign blame or to decide on how the dispute is to be resolved.
It is the parties and not the mediator that find the solution through discussion and negotiation.
Mediation is not legally binding and does not form part of any ongoing investigation of a complaint.
More information about mediation can be found in our information leaflet which can be downloaded at the bottom of this page.
Restorative justice
Housing Officers have been trained to offer restorative justice. Alternatively if you would like an independent third party to provide you with support, you may contact an Advocacy Service. Contact your Housing Officer for more information.
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