Anti-social behaviour

At Breckland District Council, we want everyone to feel safe, respected, and comfortable in their home and community.
This page explains what anti-social behaviour (ASB) is, what isn't considered ASB, what we can do to help, and how to report any concerns.

What is anti-social behaviour?

Anti-social behaviour is any action that causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm, or distress to others (Antisocial Behaviour Act 2003 & Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011).

Examples include (but aren't limited to):

• Persistent loud music, shouting, or repeated noise disturbances
• Harassment, intimidation, or bullying behaviour
• Threatening, abusive, or aggressive behaviour
• Misusing public spaces
• Street drinking or alcohol-related nuisance

Issues that are NOT usually classed as ASB

Some problems can be frustrating but do not normally meet the legal threshold for ASB. For example:

• Everyday household noise within reasonable hours
• Lawful cultural or religious noise
• Domestic or commercial CCTV
• Children playing (including ball games) in public areas
• Boundary or access disputes
• Parking disagreements
• Plants such as Japanese Knotweed or Giant Hogweed
• Criminal offences — these must be reported to the police
• One-off minor incidents with no pattern of behaviour

Even when an issue doesn't meet the ASB threshold, support may still be available through Citizens Advice or the Law Society.

How ASB can affect people

ASB can have a serious impact on people's daily lives. It may affect confidence, mental and physical wellbeing, feelings of safety, and overall quality of life. In some cases, the impact can be severe — especially for vulnerable individuals.

What we can do

When you report ASB, our aim is to help resolve the problem as quickly and fairly as possible. Depending on the situation, we may:

• Listen to your concerns and offer advice
• Contact the people involved to discuss the issue
• Offer mediation to help neighbours reach an agreement
• Work closely with the police, housing providers, and community partners
• Issue warnings or letters
• Gather evidence and monitor ongoing issues
• Use enforcement tools such as Community Protection Notices (if appropriate)
• Support you through the process and keep you updated

Not every case requires formal action, but we will always work with you to find the best way forward.

Our commitment to you

When dealing with an ASB report, we will:

• Take your concerns seriously
• Take appropriate action or give clear advice
• Try to prevent issues from recurring
• Support you and keep you informed
• Explain what we have done and why

Reasons we may not investigate

We may decide not to open a formal investigation if:

• The complainant has not first tried to speak with the person involved
  (However, do not approach anyone who may be violent or aggressive — contact the police if you feel unsafe.)
• The complaint is anonymous, malicious, or based on prejudice
• The issue is a one-off incident
• The complainant or alleged perpetrator is a tenant of a social housing provider and the social landlord has not been contacted.  (These cases are normally handled by the housing provider directly.)
• The complainant refuses mediation
• The issue is due to lifestyle differences
• The complaint involves groups of young people simply gathering
• We cannot make contact with the complainant after the initial report

Why a complaint might be closed

We may close a case if:

• We cannot contact you for updates
• There is not enough evidence or witnesses
• The person responsible cannot be identified
• Only one person reports the problem and no further evidence is available
• Legal or practical solutions are not possible (for example, large capital works or road closures)
• The investigation has been ongoing for several months with no progress

If legal action is taken, the final decision rests with the courts, not the Council.

Reporting ASB

If you are experiencing anti-social behaviour or community safety concerns, you can:

• Report it using the online button below
• Call the Police on 101 for non-emergencies

Always call 999 in an emergency

 Useful information:

• What is the definition of anti-social behaviour? (opens new window)
• How can I gather evidence? (opens new window)