Guidance

Antisocial behaviour: how to get help

Find out how to get support if you or someone you know is a victim of antisocial behaviour.

You have the right to feel safe in your home and community.

The information on this page is aimed at people who are experiencing antisocial behaviour. You can also read guidance for professionals working to address antisocial behaviour.

Recognise antisocial behaviour

Antisocial behaviour includes criminal and non-criminal behaviour. This could be:

  • threatening, harassing or unruly behaviour such as drunkenness and loitering in public spaces
  • drug use – and the mess and disruption that can go with it
  • vandalism, graffiti, fly-tipping and littering
  • disruptive neighbours consistently playing loud music or letting their dog bark all night

You can read the legal definition of antisocial behaviour in the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Report antisocial behaviour

There are different ways to report antisocial behaviour.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police.

Police

Call 101 to report a non-emergency incident to the police. You can also report antisocial behaviour on the Police.UK website.

Report antisocial behaviour at Police.UK.

Local council

Check your local council’s website to find out what types of antisocial behaviour you can report. This could include:

  • vandalism
  • graffiti
  • dumped rubbish
  • rowdy neighbours
  • abandoned cars
  • persistent dog barking
  • alcohol related nuisance

Find your local council.

Your housing provider - council or housing association tenants

If you or your neighbours are having problems in your building, report it to your council or housing association.

Your housing provider should have told you how to report antisocial behaviour. If not, call them and ask to speak to their antisocial behaviour team.

Your housing provider - private tenants

If the antisocial behaviour is caused by someone with whom you are sharing a house in a private tenancy, report this to your landlord.

Crimestoppers

If a crime has been committed, you can report it anonymously to Crimestoppers.

If you’re not sure who to contact

Use the Act Now! Guide to help you decide who you should report the problem to.

Agreed levels of service

Read more about what level of service you should expect when you report antisocial behaviour in the anti-social behaviour principles.

Request an anti-social behaviour case review

If you are a victim of persistent antisocial behaviour, you can request an anti-social behaviour case review. This was formerly known as a community trigger.

The review allows agencies, including the police, local authorities and housing providers, to:

  • share information about the case
  • review what action has been taken
  • decide whether there are more actions that can be taken

Find out how to apply for an anti-social behaviour case review in your area from your local police force or local council website.

Find your local police force.

Find your local council.

Get support and advice

These organisations can give advice on antisocial behaviour in England and Wales:

ASB Help

Victim Support

Victim Support in Wales

Our Watch

Find out what the government is doing to tackle antisocial behaviour

Read the Anti-social Behaviour Action Plan which sets out what the government is doing to support local action to reduce antisocial behaviour.

Nominate a community payback initiative in your area.

Read more about the punishments for antisocial behaviour.

If you report antisocial behaviour, you can expect an agreed level of service as described in the anti-social behaviour principles. The principles set out a consistent approach to dealing with antisocial behaviour in local communities.

Updates to this page

Published 27 March 2023

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