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Anti-Social Behaviour

Although use of the term 'anti-social behaviour' in its current sense is relatively new, the behaviours that it characterises have existed in some cases, for generations. From 'young people hanging around' and 'noisy neighbours', to harassment and vandalism.

There is no single, nationally agreed definition of anti-social behaviour. Perhaps surprisingly, there is no definition included in the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003. The nearest example comes from section 1(1) of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 which defines acting in an anti-social manner as:

"a manner that caused or was likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons not of the same household as the complainant".

Often used as a catch all definition, the governments Respect website states that:

"the term anti-social behaviour covers a wide range of selfish and unacceptable activity that can blight the quality of community life. Terms such as 'nuisance', 'disorder' and 'harassment' are also used to describe some of this behaviour."

Mainly, anti-social behaviour falls into one of three categories:

• Street Problems
• Nuisance Neighbours
• Environmental Crime

Tackling all types of anti-social behaviour and its effects has been a key government objective over recent years and many CDRPs have adopted their own definitions, tailored to local circumstances and in consultation with local communities.

A number of different approaches to dealing with anti-social behaviour have been tried including the use of enforcement and approaches based upon prevention.

The information below should be of help to anybody working around anti-social behaviour.

More from CSAS

Links

• Respect
  Comprehensive government website designed for the public and practitioners.
  www.respect.gov.uk
  
  
• Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003
  The main piece of government legislation introduced specifically to tackle anti-social behaviour
  www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/
  
  
• Crime Reduction ASB Toolkit
  Home Office guidance for practioners
  www.crimereduction.gov.uk/toolkits/

Downloads

• Tackling ASB: What Really Works? (2002)
  NACRO publication aimed at community safety practitioners
  www.crimereduction.gov.uk/antisocialbehaviour/
  
  
• Anti-Social Behaviour Strategies - Finding A Balance
  A comprehensive report and summary from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation calling for greater emphasis on prevention rather than just enforcement.
  www.jrf.org.uk/pressroom/
  
  
• Equal Respect - ASBOs and Race Equality
  A report produced by Runnymede highlighting the conclusion of research into ASBOs and race equality.
  www.runnymedetrust.org/