Anti-social behaviour (ASB) refers to actions that disrupt the peace, safety and quality of life within our community.
This can include activities such as vandalism, excessive noise, harassment and flytipping. We believe in creating a space where everyone can feel secure and comfortable.
But we need your help. If you see something, say something. Your involvement is a key part of the solution. Our Anti-social Behaviour and Hate Crime Policy explains our processes for responding to and dealing with ASB.
On this page is a handy tool to work out what is and what isn't ASB, and what steps you can or might need to take.
Anti-Social Behaviour
Aggressive Behaviour
This is a criminal offence and you need to report this to the Police immediately (101). You must also let them know if you’re concerned about your safety.
1. Report it to the police
Remember to note down the incident number and the Police Officer’s name, you’ll need this later.
Was the incident involving an Accent customer or did it take place on Accent land?
2. Let us know
You can report the incident using the form below. Once we have the incident number and the Police Officer’s name, we can make contact with the police and work with them regarding the incident.
3. Next Steps
We’ll provide you with an update as soon as we can.
Need support?
We want to help. We can help you find advice and support agencies in your area.
This is a criminal offence and you need to report this to the Police immediately (101). You must also let them know if you’re concerned about your safety.
1. Report it to the Police
Remember to note down the incident number and Police Officers name, you will need this later.
Was the incident involving an Accent customer or take place on Accent land?
2. Let us know
You can report this by using the form below. Now we have the incident number and Police Officers name, we can make contact with the police and work with them regarding the incident.
3. Complete Diary Sheets
We’ll ask you to complete a diary sheet to record the dates and times of the incidents that are taking place. This is so we can monitor the situation, working closely with the police to take the necessary action.
4. Next Steps
We’ll provide you with an update as soon as we can.
Arson/Fire
This is a criminal offence and you need to report this to the Police immediately (101). You must also let them know if you’re concerned about your safety.
1. Report it to the Police
Remember to note down the incident number and the Police Officer’s name, you’ll need this later.
If the incident involved an Accent customer or took place on Accent land you need to:
2. Let us know
You can report the incident using the form below. Once we have the incident number and the Police Officer’s name, we can make contact with the police and work with them regarding the incident.
3. Next Steps
We’ll provide you with an update as soon as we can.
Communal Area Nuisance
Misuse of Communal areas may include storing items in the communal areas, smoking in the communal areas, loitering.
1. Talk to your neighbour
Try speaking to your neighbours, they may not be aware their actions are causing you an issue.
If you don’t feel comfortable speaking to your neighbour, try using our care cards to let them know it’s causing you issues.
2. Let us know
You can report this by using our online form or by phone.
3. Next steps
We will make contact with the customer who is causing the issue and also inspect the area. Appropriate action will then be taken.
4. Storing Items in communal areas
Legally, we must carry out a fire risk assessment on the communal areas of ours buildings and keep it under review, but there are a few things you can do to help:
- Don’t obstruct communal areas, these are often the escape routes for the block.
- Don’t prop open fire doors in communal areas.
Don’t clutter the stairs, corridors and landings with personal items or things that can set fire easily. - Don’t store prams, bicycles or mobility scooters in communal areas.
- If you see anything in the communal areas that doesn’t belong there, remove it or tell us and we will.
- Don’t store flammable materials in cupboards that have electrical circuits.
- Make sure you put all rubbish in the bins provided — don’t leave it lying around in the refuse area.
Customer Partners complete regular estate inspections. If items are left in communal areas these items will be removed and residents will be recharged for the removal of these items.
Is the graffiti on Accent land?
1. Let us know
You can report this by using the form below.
2. Next steps
If the graffiti is abusive or racist, we will arrange to remove as an emergency. If the graffiti is not abusive or racist this will be raised as a routine repairs order.
Is the graffiti personally targeted towards you or your family?
3. Advise
Please refer to our Verbal Abuse / Intimidation / Harassment section for guidance.
Noticed graffiti on non-Accent property?
4. Contact your Local Authority
The Local Authority can arrange to get it removed. You can find out who your Local Authority is here
This could be classed as anti-social behaviour and a potential fire risk.
1. Ask your neighbours
Try speaking to your neighbours to see if the items are theirs and if they’ve already made arrangements to clear.
Is the fly tipping on Accent land?
2. Let us know
You can report this by using the form below. If you have a photo of the item(s), this can help us identify the area and item on collection, please forward all emails to customerservices@accentgroup.org, remember to include as much information as possible within your email.
3. Next steps
Once we receive your report, we’ll arrange to get the items removed.
If the fly tipping is not on Accent land...
4. Contact your Local Authority
The Local Authority will arrange to get the item(s) removed. You can find out who your Local Council is here
Vandalism is an action involving deliberate destruction or damage to public or private property.
Is the behaviour of a criminal nature? If yes, you need to report this to the Police immediately (999). You must also let them know if you’re concerned about your safety.
1. Report it to the Police
Remember to note down the incident number and the Police Officer’s name, you’ll need this later.
Was the incident involving an Accent customer or take place on Accent land?
2. Let us know
You can report the incident using the form below. Now we have the incident number and the Police Officer’s name, we can make contact with the police and work with them regarding the incident.
3. Next Steps
We’ll provide you with an update as soon as we can.
If a group of youths have congregated close to your home, and you are concerned for your safety then you will need to report this to the Police immediately (by calling 101).
1. Report it to the Police
Remember to note down the incident number and the Police Officer’s name, you’ll need this later.
Was the incident involving an Accent customer or did it take place on Accent land?
2. Let us know
You can report the incident using the form below. Once we have the incident number and the Police Officer’s name, we can make contact with the police and work with them regarding the incident.
3. Complete Diary Sheets
We’ll ask you to complete a diary sheet to record the dates and times of the incidents that are taking place. This is so we can monitor the situation, working closely with the police to take the necessary action.
4. Next Steps
We’ll provide you with an update as soon as we can.
Criminal Behaviour
This is a criminal offence and you need to report this to the Police immediately (999). You must also let them know if you’re concerned about your safety.
1. Report it to the Police
Remember to note down the incident number and the Police Officer’s name, you’ll need this later.
If the incident involved an Accent customer or took place on Accent land you need to:
2. Let us know
You can report the incident using the form below. Once we have the incident number and the Police Officer’s name, we can make contact with the police and work with them regarding the incident.
3. Next Steps
We’ll provide you with an update as soon as we can.
This is a criminal offence and you need to report this to the Police immediately (101). You must also let them know if you’re concerned about your safety.
This is a crime, typically one involving violence that is motivated by prejudice on the basis of race, religion, sexual orientation, or other grounds.
1. Report it to the Police
Remember to note down the incident number and the Police Officer’s name, you’ll need this later.
Was the incident involving an Accent customer or take place on Accent land?
2. Let us know
You can report this by using the form below. Now we have the incident number and the Police Officer’s name, we can make contact with the police and work with them regarding the incident.
3. Next Steps
We’ll provide you with an update as soon as we can.
You can also report Hate Crime Online.
This is a criminal offence and you need to report this to the Police immediately (999). You must also let them know if you’re concerned about your safety.
1. Report it to the Police
Remember to note down the incident number and the Police Officer’s name, you’ll need this later.
If the incident involved an Accent customer or took place on Accent land you need to:
2. Let us know
You can report the incident using the form below. Now we have the incident number and the Police Officer’s name, we can make contact with the police and work with them regarding the incident.
3. Next Steps
We’ll provide you with an update as soon as we can.
Domestic Abuse
We take the safety of our customers very seriously.
If you are concerned for your safety, or someone else’s safety relating to domestic violence or abuse please contact us on 0345 678 0555.
Domestic violence and abuse is a criminal offence. If you, or someone you know, are surviving or witnessing abuse or violence, we encourage you to speak to the police on 101 or 999 and report it to us. In someone is in immediate danger of harm please ring 999.
If you are in need of support there are a number of agencies that can help, including:
- National Domestic Violence Helpline – 0808 2000 247
- The Men’s Advice Line, for male domestic abuse survivors – 0808 801 0327
- The Mix, free information and support for under 25s in the UK – 0808 808 4994
- National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428
- Samaritans (24/7 service) – 116 123
- Rights of Women advice lines, there are a range of services available.
If you are struggling to report the problem then please speak to us and we will report the matter, confidentially, for you.
Drugs
This is a criminal offence and you need to report this to the Police immediately (101). You must also let them know if you’re concerned about your safety.
Have you witnessed any drug use and dealing?
1. Report it to the Police
Remember to note down the incident number and the Police Officer’s name, you’ll need this later.
Was the incident involving an Accent customer or did it take place on Accent land?
2. Let us know
You can report the incident using the form below. Once we have the incident number and the Police Officer’s name, we can make contact with the police and work with them regarding the incident.
3. Next steps
We'll provide you with an update as soon as we can.
Do you suspect drug use and dealing?
You need to report this to the Police using the non-emergency number (101).
You can also report drug use and dealing anonymously to Crime Stoppers online, or by calling 0800 555 111.
Please note: we need to allow the Police to investigate, if any prosecution or conviction is made, Accent may consider enforcement action.
Drunk and Rowdy Behaviour
This is a criminal offence and you need to report this to the Police immediately (101). You must also let them know if you’re concerned about your safety.
1. Report it to the Police
Remember to note down the incident number and the Police Officer’s name, you’ll need this later.
Was the incident involving an Accent customer or take place on Accent land?
2. Let us know
You can report the incident using the form below. Once we have the incident number and the Police Officer’s name, we can make contact with the police and work with them regarding the incident.
3. Complete Diary Sheets
We’ll ask you to complete a diary sheet to record the dates and times of the incidents that are taking place. This is so we can monitor the situation, working closely with the police to take the necessary action.
4. Next Steps
We’ll provide you with an update as soon as we can.
Garden Nuisance
Garden nuisance may include an overgrown garden and/or inappropriate items in a garden (fly tipping).
1. Talk to your neighbour
Try speaking to your neighbours, they may not be aware their actions are causing you an issue.
If you don’t feel comfortable speaking to your neighbour, try our 'dear neighbour card' to let them know it’s causing you issues.
Does the garden belong to an Accent customer? If yes,
2. Let us know
You can report this by using the form below.
3. Next steps
We will arrange the garden to be inspected and appropriate action will be taken.
If it is not on Accent land...
4. Contact your Local Authority
If the garden belongs to a private owner or is public land, such as a pavement or park, please contact your Local Authority
Hoarding
Compulsive hoarding is when a person stores and collects a large amount of items.
In addition, these items take up the majority of space in the person's living quarters and these items cause complications and get in the way of a person's day to day activities.
1. Contact us
You can report this by using the form below. We will investigate the report that has been made. If you or someone you know has a tendency to hoard items, you can find out more about 'what to do and where to get help' on the NHS website.
We aim to improve communities and lives within the areas we work. It's really important to encourage a person who is hoarding to seek help, as the difficulty they have discarding objects can not only cause loneliness and mental health problems, but can also pose a health and safety risk.
Hoarding disorders are challenging to treat, because many people who hoard frequently don't see it as a problem, or have little awareness of how it's impacting their life or the lives of others. Many others do realise they have a problem, but are reluctant to seek help because they feel extremely ashamed, humiliated or guilty about it.
Indecent Offences
This is the practice or occupation of engaging in sexual activity with someone for payment and is a criminal offence.
Do you suspect prostitution is taking place in your area?
1. Report it to the Police using the non-emergency number (101)
Remember to note down the incident number and the Police Officer’s name, you’ll need this later.
Was the incident involving an Accent customer or take place on Accent land?
2. Let us know
You can report the incident using the form below. Now we have the incident number and the Police Officer’s name, we can make contact with the police and work with them regarding the incident.
3. Complete Diary Sheets
We’ll ask you to complete a diary sheet to record the dates and times of the incidents that are taking place. This is so we can monitor the situation, working closely with the police to take the necessary action.
4. Next Steps
We’ll provide you with an update as soon as we can.
This is a criminal offence and you need to report this to the Police immediately (101). You must also let them know if you’re concerned about your safety.
1. Report it to the Police
Remember to note down the incident number and the Police Officer’s name, you’ll need this later.
Was the incident involving an Accent customer or did take place on Accent land?
2. Let us know
You can report this by using the form below. Now we have the incident number and Police Officers name, we can make contact with the police and work with them regarding the incident.
3. Next Steps
We’ll provide you with an update as soon as we can.
4. Need support?
We want to help. We can help you find advice and support agencies in your area.
If you've been the victim of a crime, your free local support team can provide help and advice to help you recover and cope, please visit: www.victimandwitnessinformation.org.uk/ for more information.
Noise Nuisance
We only consider noise to be anti-social behaviour if it's persistent or during the night*
1. Talk to your neighbour
Try speaking to your neighbours, they may not be aware their actions are disturbing you. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking to your neighbour, try using one of our 'Dear Neighbour' cards to let them know it’s causing you issues.
2. Noise App
If you don’t feel safe approaching your neighbour, or you have tried speaking to your neighbour and the situation has not improved, the noise app is your next step. Find out more about the Noise App here.
3. Complete Diary Sheets
We’ll ask you to complete a diary sheet to record the dates and times of the incidents that are taking place. This is so we can monitor the situation, working closely with the police to take the necessary action.
4. Environmental Health
You may also wish to report this to your local Environmental Health Officer. Should they take enforcement action, we will use this as evidence against the perpetrator if appropriate.
5. Mediation
If the situation has not improved, mediation might be of help to you. It’s an informal, confidential and independent service available to help neighbours sort out their differences and reach an agreement. They can help you and your neighbour(s) understand each other’s point of view and reach a solution. Please ask and we will refer you.
*'Night-time – after 11pm and before 7am
We only consider noise to be anti-social behaviour if it's persistent or during the night*
1. Talk to your neighbour
Try speaking to your neighbours, they may not be aware their actions are disturbing you. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking to your neighbour, try using one of our 'Dear Neighbour' cards to let them know it’s causing you issues.
2. Noise App
If you don’t feel safe approaching your neighbour, or you have tried speaking to your neighbour and the situation has not improved, the noise app is your next step. Find out more about the Noise App here.
3. Complete Diary Sheets
We’ll ask you to complete a diary sheet to record the dates and times of the incidents that are taking place. This is so we can monitor the situation, working closely with the police to take the necessary action.
4. Environmental Health
You may also wish to report this to your local Environmental Health Officer. Should they take enforcement action, we will use this as evidence against the perpetrator if appropriate.
5. Mediation
If the situation has not improved, mediation might be of help to you. It’s an informal, confidential and independent service available to help neighbours sort out their differences and reach an agreement. They can help you and your neighbour(s) understand each other’s point of view and reach a solution. Please ask and we will refer you.
*Night-time – after 11pm and before 7am
We don't class general living sounds as anti-social behaviour
'General living' includes noise such as vacuuming, walking around, doors opening/closing, general conversations, children playing etc.
- You may want to have a friendly word with your neighbour as they may not be aware you can hear them. You may like to use our one of our 'Dear Neighbour' cards.
- If you still feel you are being disturbed, you may wish to contact the local Environmental Health Officer. Should they take enforcement action, we will use this as evidence against the perpetrator if appropriate.
We do not class babies crying as anti-social behaviour.
If you have concerns about the welfare of a child, please contact social services safeguarding team or the NSPCC.
We only consider noise to be anti-social behaviour if it's persistent or during the night*
1. Talk to your neighbour
Try speaking to your neighbours, they may not be aware their actions are disturbing you. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking to your neighbour, try our 'Dear Neighbour' cards to let them know it’s causing you issues.
2. Noise App
If you don’t feel safe approaching your neighbour, or you have tried speaking to your neighbour and the situation has not improved, the noise app is your next step. Find out more about the Noise App here.
3. Complete Diary Sheets
We’ll ask you to complete a diary sheet to record the dates and times of the incidents that are taking place. This is so we can monitor the situation, working closely with the police to take the necessary action.
4. Environmental Health
You may also wish to report this to your local Environmental Health Officer. Should they take enforcement action, we will use this as evidence against the perpetrator if appropriate.
5. Mediation
If the situation has not improved, mediation might be of help to you. It’s an informal, confidential and independent service available to help neighbours sort out their differences and reach an agreement. They can help you and your neighbour(s) understand each other’s point of view and reach a solution. Please ask and we will refer you.
*Night-time – after 11pm and before 7am
We only consider noise to be anti-social behaviour if it's persistent or during the night*
1. Talk to your neighbour
Try speaking to your neighbours, they may not be aware their actions are disturbing you. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking to your neighbour, try one of our 'Dear Neighbour' cards to let them know it’s causing you issues.
2. Noise App
If you don’t feel safe approaching your neighbour, or you have tried speaking to your neighbour and the situation has not improved, the noise app is your next step. Find out more about the Noise App here.
3. Complete Diary Sheets
We’ll ask you to complete a diary sheet to record the dates and times of the incidents that are taking place. This is so we can monitor the situation, working closely with the police to take the necessary action.
4. Environmental Health
You may also wish to report this to your local Environmental Health Officer. Should they take enforcement action, we will use this as evidence against the perpetrator if appropriate.
5. Mediation
If the situation has not improved, mediation might be of help to you. It’s an informal, confidential and independent service available to help neighbours sort out their differences and reach an agreement. They can help you and your neighbour(s) understand each other’s point of view and reach a solution. Please ask and we will refer you.
*Night-time – after 11pm and before 7am
If you are concerned about the safety of one of your neighbours then you should contact the Police immediately.
We do not class children playing as anti-social behaviour, unless they’re causing damage. If they are please let us know by using the form below.
Play is an essential part of every child's life and is vital for the enjoyment of childhood as well as their health, well-being and development.
Although some types of behaviour can be annoying, children playing in the street or communal areas (unless they are causing damage) is not anti-social behaviour.
Pets
Some dogs can become aggressive and bite other people or animals.
Under the law any dog (of any breed or type) can be considered dangerous in any place if it is not kept under control. The dog doesn’t have to bite anyone; it could just show aggressive behaviour that makes someone feel in fear for their safety.
If you are in fear of your safety, please contact the Police immediately on 101 or report the dangerous dog to your Local Authority Dog Warden Service.
Once you have reported this to the Police/Local Authority, please use the form below.
Dog owners can be given an on-the-spot fine by the Local Authority if they do not clear up after their dog. The amount varies from council to council.
1. Talk to your neighbour
Try speaking to your neighbours, they may not be aware their actions are disturbing you. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking to your neighbour, try using one of our 'Dear Neighbour' cards to let them know it’s causing you issues.
Did the incident take place on Accent land?
2. Let us know
You can report this by using the form below.
3. Next steps
We will arrange the area to be cleaned/cleared. If we are aware of the pet owner and have evidence to support who is responsible for the incident they will be held liable for this cost.
Not on Accent land?
4. Contact your Local Authority
If the offence took place in a public area such as a pavement or park, please contact the Local Authority who will make contact with your neighbour and possibly issue a fine if you are able to provide them with sufficient evidence
We only consider dogs barking to be anti-social behaviour if it's persistent*
1. Talk to your neighbour
Try speaking to your neighbours, they may not be aware their actions are disturbing you. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking to your neighbour, try using one of our 'Dear Neighbour' cards to let them know it’s causing you issues.
2. Noise App
If you don’t feel safe approaching your neighbour, or you have tried speaking to your neighbour and the situation has not improved, the noise app is your next step. Find out more about the Noise App.
3. Complete Diary Sheets
We’ll ask you to complete a diary sheet to record the dates and times of the incidents that are taking place. This is so we can monitor the situation, working closely with the police to take the necessary action.
4. Environmental Health
You may also wish to report this to your local Environmental Health Officer. Should they take enforcement action, we will use this as evidence against the perpetrator if appropriate.
5. Mediation
If the situation has not improved, mediation might be of help to you. It’s an informal, confidential and independent service available to help neighbours sort out their differences and reach an agreement. They can help you and your neighbour(s) understand each other’s point of view and reach a solution. Please ask and we will refer you.
We require customers to seek permission for keeping any pets, and an agreement must be signed stating they will look after the animals and not allow them to cause nuisance. If you feel that an animal is not being well looked after, please consider reporting to the RSPCA as well as Accent.
Vehicle Nuisance
1. Do you believe the vehicle to be stolen?
Report this to the Police using non-emergency number (101).
2. Ask your neighbours
Try speaking to your neighbours, they may know whose car it is.
Is the car on Accent land?
3. Let us know
You can report this by using the form below. Note: You will need the registration number and make of the car.
4. Next steps
We will make contact with the DVLA to see if there’s a registered keeper. If there is, we will make contact with them. If there’s not, we will make contact with the local authority to arrange for the vehicle to be removed.
If the vehicle is not on Accent land?
5. Contact your Local Authority
The Local Authority can arrange to get the vehicle removed. You can find out who your Local Authority is here.
If you are being disturbed by a neighbour carrying out repairs, start by speaking to them, they may not be aware they are disturbing you.
If the problem continues and you believe an offence is occurring, then you can:
1. If it is on a public highway, contact the Local Authority who can investigate and consider action under the Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act 2005. You can find out who your Local Authority is here.
2. If it is on land owned by Accent and they are causing a persistent noise nuisance, please refer to our 'noise nuisance' section for guidance.
3. If you believe that a Road Traffic Offence has been committed, such as speeding or dangerous driver, you should report the incident and circumstances as soon as possible to your local Police.
Obstructive parking is when a car is parked in a way which obstructs your ability to enter or leave your home or allocated parking space.
Could it be a neighbour?
1. Talk to your neighbour
Try speaking to your neighbours, they may not be aware their actions are causing you a problem. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking to your neighbour, try one of our 'Dear Neighbour' cards which you can leave on their car to let them know it’s causing you issues.
2. If the problem continues…
If it is on a public verge or highway and the vehicle is found to be parked disregarding local parking regulations contact your Local Authority who may be able to assist by issuing a Penalty Charge notice. You can find out who your Local Authority is here.
Is the car parked in a manner where it needs to be removed immediately?
3. Is the car on Accent land?
Contact us, we will investigate and try our best to sort it.
4. Is the car not on Accent Land?
Contact the Police on 101 who will arrange to remove the vehicle if necessary.
Verbal Abuse
This is a criminal offence and you need to report this to the Police immediately (101). You must also let them know if you’re concerned about your safety.
1. Report it to the Police
Remember to note down the incident number and the Police Officer’s name, you’ll need this later.
Was the incident involving an Accent customer or did it take place on Accent land?
2. Let us know
You can report the incident using the form below. Once we have the incident number and the Police Officer’s name, we can make contact with the police and work with them regarding the incident.
3. Complete Diary Sheets
We’ll ask you to complete a diary sheet to record the dates and times of the incidents that are taking place. This is so we can monitor the situation, working closely with the police to take the necessary action.
4. Next steps
We’ll provide you with an update as soon as we can.
Diary Sheet
We need to know exactly what happened when, and who was involved. Please give us your best description, and include names and addresses wherever possible.
Please keep a note of:
- How often each incident happens.
- How bad each incident is.
- How big an area is affected.
- What happened in each incident.
- How long each incident lasts.
It’s important that you record incidents accurately so that we’re able to use it, if necessary, as evidence in a court of law. It also helps us to decide the best course of action.
What is Community Trigger?
The community trigger is for anyone who has reported anti-social behaviour but doesn’t feel anyone is listening or doesn’t see anything getting done about it.
If you have reported an incident three or more times in six months, you can activate the community trigger, (also known as ASB Case Review), through your local council. This has been designed to victims the right to demand that agencies deal with persistent anti-social behaviour.
There will be a multi-agency case review which involves various agencies (for example, the police, the local council, Accent (or other housing associations involved) and the NHS. The community trigger process tries to ultimately fix the problem and stop the anti-social behaviour.
Anti-social behaviour report form
Please use this form to report anti-social behaviour to us
