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Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)

Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) can seriously affect residents’ safety, comfort and wellbeing. When someone’s actions cause harassment, distress or repeated nuisance, the impact can be significant. St Albans City and District Council works with residents and partner agencies to respond quickly, support those affected, and help maintain safe, respectful communities across the district.

What is Anti-Social Behaviour?

Under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, ASB includes behaviour that has caused, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress; causes nuisance or annoyance to someone in relation to their home; or involves conduct capable of causing housing-related nuisance or annoyance.

Before you report

If it is safe to do so, consider speaking calmly with the person involved, writing a polite note, or requesting mediation. If you do not feel safe, or if this has not resolved the issue, please report the matter to us. The Council can help and advise, and also works closely with Mediation Hertfordshire, who offer independent support and mediation where appropriate.

How to report ASB

You can report Anti-Social Behaviour in several ways:

  • Online: via your My St Albans account
  • Email:asb@stalbans.gov.uk
  • Telephone: 01727 866100 (ask for the ASB Team)
  • In writing or in person if you need support

Reasonable adjustments such as translation, accessible formats or help to complete forms can be provided on request.

In an emergency or where there is immediate danger, always call 999.

When you report

  • We listen – Your concerns will be treated seriously, respectfully and confidentially.
  • We act quickly – High-risk cases (violence, threats, drug dealing, vulnerable victims) are responded to within 24 hours; routine reports within three working days.
  • We agree an action plan – We will outline what will happen and when, and keep you informed.
  • We keep you updated – You will receive updates at least every 10 working days while your case is active.
  • We gather evidence – Diary sheets can be provided electronically or by post.
  • We resolve and learn – We focus on prevention and, where necessary, enforcement such as Community Protection Notices, injunctions, closure orders or possession action.

 

Criminal behaviour and out-of-hours response

Criminal acts such as vandalism, harassment, threats, drug use or dealing should be reported to the Police – 999 in emergencies or 101 for non-emergencies. You can also:
• Provide information anonymously to CrimeStoppers
• Contact Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) for lower-level crime and ASB via 101

Reports received outside working hours are reviewed on the next working day, and any urgent matters prioritised.

Hate incidents and safeguarding

We are committed to keeping residents safe and ensuring everyone feels respected. Being targeted because of who you are i.e your race, religion, disability, sexuality or gender identity , can be deeply distressing and harmful.

A hate incident is any act of hostility, discrimination or abuse directed at someone because of their identity. These incidents can affect not just individuals but whole communities.

If you believe you’ve experienced hate, please contact the Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team. We will listen, offer support, and work with our safeguarding and Police partners to help keep you safe.

Our approach is victim-centred, which means:

  • We listen to you and believe your experience.
  • We record your report based on how you have been affected.
  • We respond with the seriousness these incidents deserve.
  • We recognise the impact on you and act accordingly.

 

All reports of hate incidents are handled sensitively and confidentially. You can report directly to the Police (999 in emergencies, 101 otherwise), through True Vision at report-it.org.uk, a Police funded website providing information and support on hate crime or contact Victim Support on 0808 1689 111 for emotional and practical help.

The Council works closely with safeguarding partners to protect children and adults at risk, sharing information where appropriate to ensure safety and prevent further harm.

Private tenants and housing associations

If the person causing problems is a private tenant or housing association tenant and you know their landlord or managing agent, you may wish to notify them of the behaviour as well as us. We will usually liaise directly with the relevant landlord and partner agencies, but will always take your wishes into account.

Performance standards

  • 100 percent of high-risk cases responded to within 24 hours
  • 95 percent of routine cases responded to within three working days
  • 85 percent of cases have an action plan agreed within 10 working days
  • 90 percent of victims kept updated within the agreed timescale

 

Annual ASB performance data is published so residents can monitor our service standards and outcomes.

ASB Case Review (Community Trigger)

If you have reported Anti-Social Behaviour and feel the problem has not been resolved, you may be entitled to a multi-agency review of your case when certain thresholds are met.

Accessibility

This information is available in alternative formats or languages on request. Please contact us if you require assistance or support to make a report.

Our commitment

Your safety and wellbeing are our priority. We take all reports of Anti-Social Behaviour and hate incidents extremely seriously and respond with professionalism, fairness and respect. Council officers work closely with residents, the Police and partner agencies to prevent harm, resolve issues promptly, and maintain safe, supportive communities across the district.