Anti-social behaviour

Anti-social behaviour is defined as behaving in a manner that ‘has caused or is likely to cause harassment, alarm, and distress to one or more persons not of the same household’.

Examples of What is ASB?

What is NOT ASB?

Hate related incidents (e.g. based on race, sexual orientation, gender, disability, or belief) - Report to the police first.

Report hate crime - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Cooking smells

Verbal abuse, harassment, intimidation, or threatening behaviour - Report to the police first

DIY in reasonable hours

Vandalism and damage to properties - Report to the police first

Minor car repairs

Criminal behaviour including using/dealing drugs - Report to the police first

Young people gathering socially

Misuse of open spaces, public areas including off-road use of vehicles - Report to the police first

Children playing in the street, including ball games

Noise complaints - particularly between the hours of 11pm and 7am which is persistent, continuous and on a regular basis.

Visit Environmental Issues (halton.gov.uk)

Parking disputes

Problem Neighbours

Civil disputes between neighbours (e.g. boundary issues or shared driveways)

Prostitution, sex acts and kerb crawling – report to Police

Lifestyle differences

 Physical violence – report to Police

Disputes over social media

 Burning hazardous materials

Bonfires and BBQ’s/One off house parties

If any of the above examples listed as 'what is not ASB' are having a harmful impact on a person because they are vulnerable, then we may investigate further.

Advice and support

It is essential to keep a record of when, where, and what happens, including descriptions of people or vehicles involved.

Reporting anti-social behaviour

  • Report anti-social behaviour to the Police 101 or in an emergency call 999.
  • If you are a tenant of a social landlord report ASB to your housing association.
  • Information can also be shared anonymously to Crimestoppers by ringing 0800 555 111.
  • Contact Halton Borough Council via the online reporting form: ​online ASB referral form.

What is a ASB Case Review?

  • The ASB Case Review is a process which allows members of the community to ask the Community Safety Partnership to review their response to complaints of Anti-Social Behaviour.
  • The review is designed to ensure we work together to try and resolve repeated reports of ant-social behaviour, where there has been inappropriate action taken to address this. Members of the community will be able to tell us about it under the ASB Case Review.
  • We will do this by talking about the problem, sharing information and using our resources to try and reach an agreeable outcome. 

Reporting Thresholds:

  • A complainant has reported the same problem 3 or more times in the past 6 months to the Council, Police, or their Landlord, and inappropriate action has been taken in line with the relevant agencies policy and procedure.
  • Different complainants have made reports about the same problem 5 times in the past 6 months to the Council, Police, or their Landlord, and inappropriate action has been taken in line with the relevant agencies policy and procedure.

What do we mean by “no action” taken?

  • The reported problems have not been acknowledged – i.e. no one contacted the customer to advise what action would be taken.
  • The reported problems have not been appropriately investigated in accordance with the relevant agencies policy and procedure.
  • The customers’ vulnerability and/or the potential for harm have not been considered and this has affected potential service delivery.
  • No action has been taken because information has not been shared between partners and this has affected potential service delivery.

What is not suitable for a review?

  • If someone has reported Anti-Social Behaviour and received a service but the problems and the investigation are on​going. They will be advised to contact the agency they are working with to tell them what is happening.
  • If someone has reported Anti-Social Behaviour and received a service but they’re unhappy with the service received or action taken. They will be advised to submit a complaint under the agency’s complaints procedures.

How do I apply for a ASB Case Review?

What will happen?

  • A representative from the Community Safety Partnership will discuss the issues that you have been having and complete the application process with you. This will include taking some initial details and then you completing a detailed form and agreeing to share your personal data.
  • Once the application process is complete you will be contacted and informed as to whether your review application has been successful.
  • If the review application does not meet the criteria we may still be able to offer some assistance from our ASB Unit and your case will be referred to them to discuss.

If the review has been met:

  • Those agencies to whom the Anti-Social Behaviour reports have been made (this may include Police, Council, or Registered Housing Provider) will be contacted, and where necessary, will meet to review their responses and consider how the problem could be better dealt with.
  • A response will be sent to you detailing what actions will be taken and if necessary offering suggestions as to how the multi-agency partnership can attempt to resolve the Anti-Social Behaviour.

What if I am not happy with the suggested outcomes/actions?

If you are unhappy with a decision that the review criteria has not been met or with the outcome of a ASB Case Review​, you can appeal, this will then be independently reviewed. To appeal contact the team as follows:

  • Email: communitysafety.enforcement@halton.gov.uk
  • Phone: 0303 333 4300  you must state that you would like to request a ASB Case Review Appeal
  • Postal Address: Community Safety Team, Floor 3, Municipal Building, Kingsway, Widnes, WA8 7QF.​

 Stats for HBC case reviews

Year

Number of requests 

Met the threshold

Formal reviews

Informal reviews

Recommendations made

Appealed to the Police Crime Commissioner

2023 to date

2

0

0

1

0

0

​​​