Anti-social behaviour
What is Anti-social behaviour?
Anti-social behaviour (ASB) means acting in a way that causes or is likely to cause alarm or distress to one or more people in another household. For the behaviour to be classed as anti-social, it must be persistent.
We work closely with the Police to tackle anti-social behaviour in the borough.
Examples of anti-social behaviour:
- Harassment: intimidating behaviour, violence or the threat of violence to another person, abusive language.
- Nuisance behaviour: loud music, untidy gardens, constant dog barking.
- Yobbish behaviour: graffiti/vandalism, verbal abuse, physical abuse, riding motorbikes on public footpaths.
- Vehicle nuisance: excessive noise, excessive vehicle repairs and maintenance carried out in gardens.
- Environmental anti-social behaviour: fly-tipping, storing rubbish in gardens, dog fouling.
Noise Nuisance
Please visit our Noise Nuisance webpage for more information.
Hate Crime
Any criminal offence that the victim or any other person perceives as being motivated by prejudice or hate can be considered a hate crime. It can be based on a person’s race, sexual orientation, faith, disability or transgender identity.
Everyone who lives, works in or visits Melton has the right to be treated with dignity and respect and to live without fear of hatred. We all have a role to play in stamping out hatred, respecting differences and saying NO to hate in our local communities.
If you have been a victim, or if you have witnessed or become aware of a hate incident you can report it on the online anti-social behaviour form below or in an emergency call emergency contact the police on 999.
Report Anti-social behaviour
You can report ASB in one of three ways:
- fill in the online form below
- report it to the Police by visiting the Leicestershire Police website or by calling 101
- report it to Crime Stoppers by calling 0800 555 111
For further information please visit the Leicestershire Police website.
What information do we need?
We need as much information and intelligence as possible in order to deal with individuals and families effectively. For example:
- The duration of the incident?
- Who was involved?
- How many individuals were involved?
- Where do they live?
- What exactly were they doing?
- How did it affect you?
- Were there any other witnesses?
All of the information you provide will be kept private and confidential.
Tackling anti-social behaviour
Our approach in dealing with anti-social behaviour covers all aspects from prevention to rehabilitation and we will protect and support victims and witnesses. Where necessary, we will also refer alleged perpetrators to support agencies. As each case of anti-social behaviour is unique so is the way in which we handle each complaint, and our actions will depend upon the nature and severity of each incident.
Incremental approach
We have adopted an incremental approach to manage anti-social behaviour in a consistent, proportionate and phased manner. To prevent and tackle anti-social behaviour, we work in partnership with various external agencies (for example, Leicestershire Constabulary, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, Victim Support).
Community trigger process
The community trigger process gives victims and communities the ability to demand action, starting with a review of their case, in order to find a solution.
If you decide to talk to the person responsible for anti-social behaviour it may help to consider the following:
- Let the person know there is a problem. Be calm and polite as they may not know they are causing you any distress
- Ask them for some of their time to talk about the problem. You may wish to take a friend with you if you do not want to go on your own
- If you still feel concerned, write a polite letter to re address the problem
If the problem continues reporting the anti-social behaviour formally.
Six top tips to being a considerate neighbour:
- DIY: You may be an early riser, but others may not be - consider not mowing the lawn or starting DIY at the crack of dawn.
- Parties: Neighbours are less likely to have a problem with a party if they are aware of it in advance.
- Cars: Make sure the music in your car isn't disturbing others.
- Alarms: Have a nominated keyholder for your property when you are away, who can be contacted quickly if the house alarm goes off.
- Stereo & TV: Position the TV and speakers away from the neighbours wall. Raise them up off the floor if possible.
- Dogs: Constant barking or whining of a dog can be disturbing to neighbours.