Anti-Social Behaviour

Anti-social behaviour (ASB) is behaviour that causes others to feel harassed, alarmed or distressed. ASB can make people feel unsafe in their area and can be so bad that people think about moving home. ASB can impact negatively on mental health and lead to some people needing to take time off work (Resolve YouGov Survey 2022).

There are many different types of ASB that can affect everyone, including young people. Types of behaviours that can cause people to feel unsafe in an area include street drinking, vehicle nuisance, verbal abuse, harassment, hate crimes, damage to property, bullying, causing deliberate fires and threats of violence.

Everyone has the right to feel safe in their local area and places they visit. When a person is found to be involved in ASB the police, fire service, the council and social housing landlords often all work together to share information and take action to stop the behaviour and make sure the victims are supported.

There are many potential different consequences of being involved in ASB. Some of these consequences are listed below.

• Acceptable Behaviour Agreement (ABA): A written agreement between the person responsible for the ASB and the agency working to prevent further incidents. ABAs are often used with children and young people. They set out what behaviours are not allowed and what support will be provided.
  
  
• Anti-Social Behaviour Warning: The warning can be verbal or in writing. The person responsible for the ASB may be asked to attend a meeting to discuss their behaviour and what they can do to put things right. The warning would be recorded on file and used to evidence an ongoing problem if the ASB continued.
  
  
• ASB Injunction: A court order designed to stop or prevent ASB quickly. An Injunction can list behaviours that are not allowed and exclude individuals from areas where they have caused ASB. They are designed to protect victims and communities from ASB. Breach of an Injunction can lead to a prison sentence and/or a fine. For young people (10+) they could receive a Supervision Order or, as a very last resort, a civil detention order of up to three months for 14-17 year olds.
  
  
• Community Protection Notice (CPN): The purpose of a CPN is to stop a person aged sixteen or over, business or organisation committing ASB which spoils the community’s quality of life. A CPN can then be issued including requirement to stop things, do things or take reasonable steps to avoid further ASB. Breach is a criminal offence and can lead to a Fixed Penalty Notice up to £100 or a fine of up to £2,500 for an individual (unlimited for a business) if convicted at court.
  
  
• Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO): Issued by any criminal court against a person who has been convicted of an offence to tackle the most persistently anti-social individuals who also engaged in criminal activity. Like an Injunction a CBO can list behaviours that are not allowed and exclude individuals from areas where they have caused ASB. Breach of a CBO could lead to up to five years in prison and a fine or both. For under eighteens, the sentencing powers in the youth court apply.
  
  
• Criminal Conviction and sentence at court. Some types of ASB are criminal offences. If a person wants to travel abroad or move to another country a criminal record may prevent them from entering certain countries. They may be required to disclose any convictions to their employer or when they apply for a job.
  
  
• If a person rents a home from the Council or a Social Housing Landlord they could take action. In the most serious cases they could apply for possession of a home and the household could be evicted.

Off-Road Bikes

In summer months the police and local authorities receive complaints about ASB associated with off-road bikes.

Off-road bikes are subject to the same laws as motorcycles and must meet specific standards before they can be ridden on a public highway. You must be aged 17 or over (or 16 if the vehicle meets the definition of a moped) and will need:

• DVLA registration (log book)
• Current road tax
• A valid MOT (for vehicles over 3 years old)
• A valid driving licence / motor insurance
• Registration plates
• Vehicle type approval
• Suitable safety equipment (helmet etc.)

Failure to comply with the above is breaking the law and riders run the risk of fines, seizure of the vehicle, prosecution and imprisonment. If you or your child own or ride one of these vehicles, it is your responsibility to know the law.

Reporting ASB

Help to improve your community by reporting ASB. By doing so, you are helping to make your community a safer & more enjoyable place. To make a report to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), you can use LiveChat or online reporting at www.gmp.police.uk. You can also call 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

GMP is encouraging people to use the Government’s StreetSafe online tool which allows people to anonymously pinpoint areas where they do not feel safe on a map. In an emergency, always call 999.