ASB covers a wide range of actions that can cause distress, alarm, or nuisance to others. The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime, and Policing Act 2014 defines it as:

•    Conduct causing or likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress
•    Behaviour causing or likely to cause nuisance or annoyance in relation to housing
•    Conduct capable of causing housing-related nuisance or annoyance

While not exhaustive, here are some examples of what we consider ASB:

•    Intimidation and harassment, including domestic abuse and threats
•    Rowdy behaviour, such as public drunkenness and loud disturbances
•    Property damage, including graffiti and fly-tipping
•    Persistent noise nuisance, like excessively loud music

It's important to note that not all disruptive behaviours are classified as ASB. We generally don't investigate:

•    Normal daily activities (e.g. babies crying, cooking smells, doors opening and closing)
•    Minor disagreements between neighbours
•    Lifestyle differences
•    Parking disputes (unless they involve harassment)

If you're experiencing ASB, we encourage you to first try talking to your neighbour if it's safe to do so. If the issue persists, report it to us. We'll need evidence showing how the behaviour breaches the tenancy agreement, and we'll work with you to address the problem. Remember, your safety is paramount. If you ever feel threatened, contact the police immediately.

Some ASB may also be criminal. In these cases, it's important to report the incident to the police first, then inform us, providing the police log number, the date and time of the incident, a detailed account of what happened and how it impacted you. We'll work with the police to address the issue. For anonymous reporting of criminal activities, you can use Crimestoppers.

We take a firm stance against hate-motivated behaviour. Hate crime is any criminal offence motivated by hostility towards someone's:

• Disability
• Gender identity
• Race
• Religion
• Sexual orientation

A hate incident, while not criminal, is perceived by the victim as motivated by the same prejudices. If you experience or witness either, report it to the police and inform us. We're a third-party reporting centre and can support you through the process. We'll collaborate with the police to manage the case and support you.

If you experience or witness either:

1.    Report it to the police

2.    Inform us - we're a third-party reporting centre and can support you through the process

3.    We'll collaborate with the police to manage the case and support you

At Lancaster City Council Housing, we aim to swiftly address ASB reports, working closely with police and other agencies, while also supporting victims of ASB and hate incidents.

Our goal is to create safer, more respectful communities where everyone feels secure in their homes and neighbourhoods.

If you have any concerns or questions about ASB, please don't hesitate to contact us. Your wellbeing is our priority, and we're here to help maintain the peace and safety of our community.