Anti-social behaviour (ASB)
What is anti-social behaviour
Antisocial behaviour (ASB) is behaviour that causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm, or distress to other people. This legal definition is from the anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
In housing, ASB can also include behaviour that causes unreasonable nuisance or annoyance and may affect someone’s health or stop them enjoying their home.
This means that behaviour does not have to be a crime to count as ASB. Action may still be taken if it has a negative effect on people or the community.
Types of antisocial behaviour
We group ASB into three main types to improve our response.
Personal ASB
is behaviour aimed at a person or group. It is often the most serious and can include:
- Verbal abuse, insults, or threats
- Harassment, intimidation, or threatening behaviour
- Stalking or repeated unwanted contact
- Violence or threats of violence
- Hate-related incidents or discrimination
These can have a massive impact on mental health and wellbeing for those affected.
Nuisance ASB
refers to behaviour that affects a community or neighbourhood rather than specific people. Examples include:
- Ongoing noise nuisance (shouting, loud music, dog barking)
- Groups causing disturbance in public areas (parks, stairwells, and shared gardens)
- Drinking or substance misuse causing public nuisance
- General Neighbour disputes
Some disturbance can be part of everyday life, especially in an urban area. However, extreme behaviour that affects others may be considered antisocial.
Environmental / Community ASB
relates to damage or misuse of the physical environment. Examples include:
- Vandalism and graffiti
- Fly-tipping or careless disposal of rubbish
- Littering, fouling, and neglect of land
- Abandoned vehicles
These issues can make an area feel unsafe and can add to wider community concerns.
What is not usually considered antisocial behaviour
We look at each case on its own. However, not all nuisance is classed as ASB. Many types of behaviour are normal parts of everyday life. These can include:
- Children playing at reasonable times or babies crying
- Civil disputes between neighbours, such as over access or accidental damage
- Disagreements or personal disputes without wider issues
- General living noise, such as footsteps, toilets flushing or doors closing
- Groups of young people socialising without wider issues
- Parking disputes where there are no restrictions
- Reasonable household chores like vacuuming, gardening, or cooking
- Routine DIY or car repairs at reasonable times and frequency
In these cases, residents are asked to resolve issues informally first. For example, direct discussion or mediation may help.
Working together to create safer communities and deterring antisocial behaviour is a shared responsibility. You can help by:
- Showing empathy and being considerate to others
- Reporting issues early
- Supporting community initiatives and local activities positively
This way we can create safer, cleaner, and more respectful neighbourhoods for all.
Please also view the West Midlands Police, Antisocial Behaviour Plan