Anti-Social Behaviour
What is anti-social behaviour?
Anti-social behaviour is conduct within communities or public places that may have a negative impact on other people.
A legal definition of anti-social behaviour includes:
"acting in a manner that caused or was likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons not of the same household".
It covers a wide range of behaviour - which is carried out by individuals and groups - and may also include some criminal offences.
What type of behaviour is involved?
There are many different examples of anti-social behaviour but it is the potential impact of the behaviour on others, rather than the act itself, which makes it anti-social. Anti-social behaviour may therefore include:
- Abuse, bullying and intimidation
- Begging and prostitution
- Burglary, robbery, vehicle crime
- Drug dealing and anti-social drinking
- Hate behaviour, racism and harassment
- Misuse of fireworks
- Misuse of off-road bikes
- Public disorder and missile throwing
- Theft and shop-lifting
- Vandalism, criminal damage and graffiti
- Violence actual or threatened
- Youth nuisance and under age drinking
Reporting Anti-social Behaviour
You can report anti-social behaviour by:
- Contacting the Traffordwatch helpline on 0161 912 2400 (24 hour helpline)
- Contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050 (In the event of a crime or serious disorder)
Traffordwatch Patrols
You can also request a Traffordwatch Patrol by calling 0161 912 1111. Traffordwatch operates 7 days a week until 9pm in winter and 10pm in summer. Read more about Traffordwatch.
In an emergency, always call 999
If I report Anti-social Behaviour, what support will I receive?
You do not have to give your name or address or contact details but if you do we will be able to offer you further feedback and support. In all cases:
- Your safety will be paramount
- Your details will be kept in strict confidence
- Your report will be treated seriously
- Your report will be investigated
- You will be treated with courtesy
- You will be treated with respect
- You will be offered help and advice
- You will be advised about what action we can take
- You will be advised who to contact
- You will be provided with relevant telephone numbers
What action can be taken?
There are many different agencies in Trafford that work in partnership to prevent, tackle and reduce anti-social behaviour and there are also a wide range of statutory powers available to different authorities.
In many instances anti-social behaviour can be stopped by prevention and effective early intervention - including advice, information and warnings to those involved.
In some cases, involving serious or persistent anti-social behaviour, statutory powers are required to control the offending behaviour and provide protection for victims and witnesses and the wider community.
Read more about Anti-social Behaviour Orders and Acceptable Behaviour Contracts.
Who to Contact
Anti-Social Behaviour Unit
Community Safety Service
Trafford Council
Waterside House
Sale Waterside
Sale
M33 7ZF
This page was last updated on 23 April 2008
