Anti-Social Behaviour
Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) occurs when "a person has acted in a manner that causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons not of the same household as him/herself" (Crime and Disorder Act 1998). It may be noise nuisance, verbal abuse, criminal damage or other forms of harassment.
Dave Law is The Safer Wealden Partnership's Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinator and he has been in post since 2006. He works with housing associations, Sussex Police, Wealden District Council and a wide range of other organisations, residents and members of the public, to tackle the problems caused by a small number of people.
There are two main methods for dealing with ASB. These are:
- An Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) - this is a command issued by a magistrate which aims to prevent an individual acting in an anti-social manner by placing restrictions on his/her ability to be in certain places at certain times. Failure to comply can result in a fine or imprisonment. This has had a considerable impact on improving the quality of life for a large number of residents.
- An Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC) - An Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC), also known as an Acceptable Behaviour Agreement, is an intervention designed to engage the individual in recognising their behaviour and its negative effects on others, in order to stop the offending behaviour. An ABC is a written agreement between an anti-social behaviour perpetrator and their Local Authority, Youth Offending Team, Housing provider or the Police. ABCs are usually used for young people but can also be used for adults.
If you are experiencing ASB, we have provided a link where you can download our ASB reporting form.
ASB Reporting Form (word version)
This needs to be forwarded to the Antisocial Behaviour Co-ordinator or the Safer Wealden Partnership Support Officer. The form should provide sufficient information for us to investigate the matter and it is important that telephone numbers, work, home/mobile are given. If witnesses are known their contact details should also be included. Dave Law can also be contacted by phone, via the Sussex Police non-emergency number 0845 60 70 999 Ext 33361.
Contact details
Dave Law, Anti-social Behaviour Co-ordinator, david.w.law@sussex.pnn.police.uk
Partnership Support Officer, cdrpadmin@wealden.gov.uk