Tackling ASB
Anti-social behaviour (ASB) is behaviour which has caused, or can cause, harassment, distress, or alarm to any person in their home or in the neighbourhood or community where they live.
Customers at an older people’s scheme in Newton Abbot are finally enjoying peace after more than two years of severe anti‑social behaviour from a now former resident. The individual repeatedly played loud music, acted aggressively, made threats and even entered neighbours’ homes without permission.
An ASB injunction failed to stop the behaviour, leading to a lengthy court process to gain possession of the property. With strong evidence, support from police and care agencies, and multiple court hearings, possession was granted in July 2025 and enforced by bailiffs in September, restoring calm to the scheme.
When ASB happens, it's important that it is recorded early, and that we build a strong case. It isn’t just a case of 'my neighbour is anti‑social', we must prove that their behaviour is either causing or likely to cause harm or distress. It’s also helpful to have other agencies working with us, in this case, the police and a local care agency were involved in supporting the case.
Ultimately, whilst we might recognise behaviour as anti‑social, we must prepare a case to convince a district judge that it is right to take away the perpetrators home. Below are some tips in how to report ASB.
How do I report anti-social behaviour?
Before you make your report, read our guidance on our website on what to consider before reporting ASB.
If you know who is causing the problem and you feel safe to do so, speak to your neighbour. Explain how their activities or behaviour is affecting you. They might not be aware and likely to appreciate you letting them know. This approach can often help to build and sustain neighbourly relationships. We've put together some tips to help you resolve problems with your neighbours. You can also download our Dear neighbour card.
You can also use our ASB toolkit on the website to find out what steps you need to take.
For emergencies that require immediate attention or where you are concerned for your safety, please phone the police on 999.
All reports will be dealt with promptly and sensitively, in line with your views and wishes. However, it’s important to know that reports take time to deal with. We’ll discuss your report with you in confidence and won’t reveal your identity to your neighbour or anybody else unless you agree to this being done, but in most cases, the first step to take would be for us to contact the person causing you a problem.
What is considered ASB
Examples of what we consider to be ASB include:
- Physical violence and/or threats of violence.
- Hate related incidents, such as those based on race, sexual orientation, gender, disability or belief.
- Verbal abuse, harassment, intimidation or threatening behaviour.
- Noise nuisance ‑ an ongoing or persistent noise at any time of the day or night.
- Vandalism and damage to properties, including graffiti.
- Dumping rubbish, including fly tipping.
- Criminal behaviour, for example, drug dealing.
- Pets being allowed to foul in shared public spaces.
- Use of cannabis in home and impact on other households
What is not considered ASB
Examples of what we do not consider to be ASB include:
- Babies crying or noise from children when they're playing.
- Family disputes.
- Smells from cooking.
- Sounds of normal day‑to‑day living that we can hear, such as closing doors, going up and down the stairs etc.
- One‑off parties, such as barbecues, birthdays or Christmas parties.
- Clashes of lifestyle, including cultural differences.
- Minor personal differences, such as dirty looks or fall‑outs between children.
- Putting rubbish out on the wrong day.
- Parking in the wrong bay or lawfully parking outside a property/on the street.
- A customers’ CCTV pointing at someone else's window.