Anti-social behaviour

We work with the local police to tackle and prevent anti-social behaviour in our communities. Find out about our anti-social behaviour pledge.

What is anti-social behaviour? 

Anti-social behaviour is any aggressive, intimidating or destructive activity that damages or destroys another person's quality of life. It is a concern to everyone and is not restricted to young people. It includes:

• Nuisance neighbours
• Yobbish behaviour and intimidating groups taking over public spaces
• Vandalism, graffiti and fly-posting
• People dumping rubbish and abandoned cars
• Begging and anti-social drinking
• The misuse of fireworks
• Reckless driving of mini-motorbikes

What can you do about it?

Speak to your local neighbourhood policing team about what's happening in your area. They can provide support and advice, and help you tackle the problem.

All complaints are confidential, so you don't have to worry about your identity being revealed.

Report it

Make sure you report every incident of anti-social behaviour you witness by calling Staffordshire Police on 101.

Gathering evidence

To make a case against anyone accused of anti-social behaviour you'll need fairly strong evidence. If possible, please keep a record of the names and location, and the time and date of every incident you witness.

The earlier you report anti-social behaviour, the sooner it can be dealt with.

What action will agencies take?

Action to tackle anti-social behaviour may be initiated by a number of agencies, including the police, local authorities, registered social landlords and youth offending teams. The goal of any action is to:

• Protect victims, witnesses and the community
• Enable the perpetrator to understand the consequences of their behaviour
• Make sure the perpetrator changes their behaviour

To find out what action may be taken as a result of your complaint, contact your Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101 and ask to speak to the sergeant of your local police station.

What if I am unhappy about the way my complaint is being handled?

Contact your Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101 and ask to speak to the sergeant of your local police station.

After speaking with the sergeant, if you are still unhappy, contact your local councillor or call Lichfield District Council's Community Safety Officer on 01543 308777.

What action can be taken?

Lichfield District Safer Community Partnership use a range of methods to combat anti-social behaviour, including:

• Warning letters and interviews
• Acceptable behaviour contracts (ABC's) and parenting contracts
• Fixed penalty notices
• Parenting orders, individual support orders, noise abatement notices
• Injunctions, dispersal orders
• Premises closure orders
• Possession proceedings against a tenant

Anti Social Behaviour Orders (commonly called ASBOs) can also be issued. However, the partnership does not believe these should be the first action taken, and recommend using other interventions to tackle anti-social behaviour.