Anti social behaviour is any aggressive, intimidating or destructive activity that damages or destroys another person's quality of life. This definition is very broad and can include:
- harassment/intimidation
- nuisance behaviour
- rowdy behaviour
- vandalism/criminal damage
- noise nuisance
- animal related problems
- littering/fly posting
- vehicle related nuisance and inappropriate vehicle use
- prostitution/kerb crawling/inappropriate sexual behaviour
- street drinking
- drug and substance misuse
- aggressive begging
The leaflet below (available in different languages) provides general advice on the following:
-
being a good neighbour
- what is anti social behaviour?
- what is a crime?
- crime prevention advice
- contact details
General advice leaflet - English (pdf 217kb opens in new window)
General advice leaflet - Bulgarian (pdf 329kb opens in new window)
General advice leaflet - Latvian (pdf 370kb opens in new window)
General advice leaflet - Lithuanian (pdf 871kb opens in new window)
General advice leaflet - Polish (pdf 360kb opens in new window)
General advice leaflet - Portuguese (pdf 300kb opens in new window)
General advice leaflet - Russian (pdf 393kb opens in new window)
Top of page
Anti social behaviour can have a serious impact on individuals and whole communities. It reduces feelings of safety and will not be tolerated. We have a team of officers dedicated to support and protect you and also take action against those who choose to make your life a misery. We encourage you to use our website which provides guidance on what you can do if you are suffering from anti social behaviour or know others whose quality of life is being affected and are too frightened to do anything about it themselves.
The anti social behaviour team consists of seven officers and at least one of them works in your area. The team structure and the areas they cover can be viewed on the anti social behaviour team boundary map.
Anti social behaviour team boundary map (pdf 1mb opens in new window)
The assistant safe communities officer receives all new enquiries to the team and if you can’t find the information you need on our website. Contact details are available at the bottom of the page.
Top of page
The government has introduced many new powers in the last few years and the council and its partners work with new and existing legislation to ensure ASB is tackled as effectively as possible. We firmly believe in early intervention in the East Riding rather than resorting to legal action. We have used early intervention tools successfully for a number of years and this will continue.
Fairway letters
Fairways are used as a way to inform parents/guardians that their child has been involved in anti social behaviour. This gives parents a chance to deal with the behaviour within the family. Fairway letters can also be sent directly to adults.
Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs)
ABC's are voluntary agreements between the person who has behaved unacceptably on three or more occasions, their parent/guardian (if aged under 18), the Police and the council. This gives the person who behaves unacceptably a chance to improve their behaviour without taking legal action.
Anti Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs)
ASBO's are Civil Orders issued by a Court prohibiting a person aged 10 or above from engaging in activities that may lead to them behaving in an anti social manner. Prohibitions may include non-association with others, stopping them entering a specified area and a curfew.
Individual support orders
Individual support orders can be granted by the court when an anti social behaviour order is made. An individual support order will make a person aged between 10 and 17 participate in specified activities aimed at addressing their anti social behaviour.
Parenting contracts
Parenting contracts are voluntary agreements between the council and parents of a child who is behaving anti socially. They contain supportive measures aimed at improving parenting skills in order to help address the child’s behaviour.
Parenting orders
Parenting orders are civil orders issued by a court making parents of a child who is behaving anti socially engage with support providers who can provide information to help with their parenting skills.
Dispersal orders
Dispersal orders can be used in areas where groups of people cause a persistent nuisance to residents and/or visitors.
Designated public place orders
Designated public place orders (or no drinking zones as they are often known) give the Police powers to seize containers of alcohol in a designated area. Details are available about designated public place orders, including those in place in your area.
Closure orders
Closure orders can be used when a property or piece of land, regardless of whether it is the council owned, rented or privately owned, is the cause of persistent and serious nuisance, disorder or used for the supply, production or use of class A drugs.
For more information on these interventions, please contact us.
Email: safe.communities@eastriding.gcsx.gov.uk
Top of page
If your enquiry relates to barking dogs, further information is available on the dog warden page.
If your enquiry relates to domestic noise, such as noisy parties or loud music, further information is available on the noise pollution page.
Repairing vehicles on a regular basis can be disturbing for a neighbour. People are allowed to repair their own vehicles and repairs to other cars are generally tolerated. However repairing vehicles on a regular basis, especially other peoples’ vehicles may not be acceptable. These can be complex to resolve as we will need to determine whether your neighbour is running a business from home and obtain specific details of their activity. If your neighbour is repairing vehicles on a regular basis, further information is available on the noise pollution page.
People are not allowed to park their vehicle in front of your driveway. Unless parking restrictions are in place (e.g. double yellow lines), vehicles can be parked anywhere else on a public highway. If a vehicle is obstructing your driveway or parking on double yellow lines, further information is available on the car parking enforcement page.
If groups of people are hanging around outside your neighbour’s property, unless they are behaving in an anti social manner (e.g. swearing or shouting), there is nothing that can be done to stop them. If they are shouting or swearing, you should contact Humberside Police immediately on 101. If they are doing this on a regular basis, you should contact the council’s anti social behaviour team by completing the following form, giving details of all occasions when the groups have been shouting or swearing, including who was responsible if you know who they are.
Report anti social behaviour online (opens in new window)
If your enquiry relates to high hedges or untidy hedgerows, further information is available on the trees and hedges page.
If your enquiry relates to untidy gardens can attract vermin if rubbish is not removed. We will be able to advise you on what action can be taken and further information is available on the litter page.
Top of page
If one of your neighbours is causing you a nuisance, we suggest that you talk to them as soon as possible, providing it is safe to do so. When talking to your neighbour, politely explain what they are doing and why this is causing you a nuisance. This will hopefully enable any potential problems to be addressed politely.
Neighbour disputes can be caused by many different things. Long standing neighbour disputes can be very difficult to resolve and on many occasions, it is not possible for us to do anything about it. The people who suffer as a result of long standing disputes are both neighbours and the best resolution is always for you to try and resolve the situation.
The following are examples of the types of things that can cause neighbour disputes:
- barking dogs
- ownership of land/fences/building new structures, such as sheds
- noisy parties/loud music/domestic noise
- repairing vehicles on the road/private driveway
- parking vehicles in front of a neighbours house
- groups of children hanging around waiting to see one of their friends who lives at a neighbours property
- hedgerows (high hedges or untidy hedges)
- untidy gardens
If you have spoken to your neighbour or feel that it is unsafe to do so you should contact the council and the landlord of your neighbour’s property if it is rented and you know who this is. If the landlord is not able or willing to help, you should contact the council. If your neighbour lives in a house owned by the council further information can be found on the council tenants page.
If they do not live in a council house, the following guidance should help us deal with your enquiry as quickly as possible.
Top of page
Boundary disputes occur every day in one guise or another and these are not matters that the Council can resolve. Hopefully the following guidance will help you if you are in dispute as to where your boundary is.
Whether it is cutting down hedges, planting trees, moving or repairing garden fences, all these things may lead to a dispute. Neighbours on each side of the boundary do not always agree where the boundary lies, or who has responsibility to maintain it. One or more of the parties may turn to his title documents for the answer but the answer is not always easy to find.
It may be helpful to get copies of the documents registered at HM Land Registry for your property and for the adjoining property. They comprise most of the available documentary evidence as to boundary positions. Land Registry documents include Property Registers, Title Plans and Registered Documents such as Conveyances & Transfers and more often than not, there will be a clear demarcation of exactly where the boundaries are. However, this is not a foolproof method as previous owners of the houses concerned may have agreed to alter the boundaries for one reason or another yet have not informed the Land Registry.
Land Registry (external website)
Another point to consider is where one party has been using the disputed area of land continuously for the past 12 years. This is something that is termed as ‘adverse possession’. It can be quite complex to understand and in this situation, it’s better to seek your own legal advice if the dispute cannot be resolved amicably.
There are certain boundary areas that will not be included within the deeds, such as party walls, hedges and ditches and fences. Most of the time it’s simply presumption that determines who owns what and whose responsibility it is to maintain certain boundaries or barriers, but a rough guideline in a dispute would be that a fence where the posts are supported on one side would be the responsibility of the person whose side contained the posts.
If two properties are divided by a hedge and a ditch, the person whose side the hedge is on is responsible as the rightful owner, although there’s no presumption if there’s a hedge only.
Interior walls which separate the likes of a semi-detached property are usually deemed to be the responsibility of both parties, and any repairs which might be needed are, in most instances, divided between both parties if the damage affects both sides.
Disputes over boundaries and your rights can run into several thousand pounds and even six figure sums in more complex cases should you decide to take the matter to court. This can cause immense stress and even more serious illnesses, so the best way to resolve any boundary issues is to try to reach a resolution which both sides can mutually agree to.
We would urge you to consider the reasons which have led up to the dispute and by understanding the other’s side too, an agreement can often be reached without either side having to spend a penny in legal fees. Once you have agreed any new boundary line which is mutually acceptable to both parties, you should then contact the Land Registry who will record the new boundary lines which you have both agreed upon.
Top of page
Not usually, unless there is some kind of covenant on his property that forces the issue. If the state of his fence is bothering you or causing security issues, there is no reason why you shouldn’t erect a fence of your own next to it.
You could offer to pay for the repairs yourself, if the neighbour simply can’t afford the repairs. If you do this, be sure to put the offer in writing and say that fence is a gift which doesn’t affect the boundary position at all. Keep a copy of your letter with the title deeds, to avoid any boundary confusion in the future.
If you put your own fence up on your own land, you need to be careful not to damage any of your neighbour's property, and make sure it fits in with all the relevant planning permission and byelaws.
Adjoining neighbours can sometimes get into a dispute about the position and ownership of a particular boundary, be it a fence, wall, barrier or some other kind of boundary line. Often the boundary dispute will arise when one party wishes to use part of the land for something particular and the adjoining neighbour opposes that on the grounds that the other is encroaching upon their land.
Alternatively, arguments also arise where damage has been done to a particular fence or wall, for example, which then needs repair and the decision over who is going to foot the bill.
Top of page
If people are playing ball games in a manner that causes you a nuisance, you should try and speak to their parents (if known and if it is safe to do so). Before doing so remember, people are allowed to:
-
play football or other games in a safe manner on a piece of grass or other safe, publicly owned area
-
hang around in a group in the street
-
make a reasonable amount of noise whilst playing.
If nuisance continues, the council may be able to help by sending detached youth workers or redesigning an area of land that we own. Once you have tried to deal with the nuisance yourself, if it is safe to do so, you can report anti social behaviour online (opens in new window).
If people are going into your garden to retrieve their ball without your permission, the council cannot prevent them from doing this. You may be able to take your own action to prevent them from doing this, such as redesigning your garden or even taking your own private legal action. In many cases, a quick word with their parents should resolve the problem.
Top of page
On rented properties
If you rent your property from a private landlord, you should speak to your landlord and ask them if they will remove the graffiti. There may be a reference to this in your tenancy conditions.
On your own property
If you own your property, the council may be able to get offenders to help with graffiti removal as part of their community payback. You can apply for the removal of graffiti through the community payback scheme online (opens in new window). You will be kept up to date on action that can be taken.
Public buildings
If the graffiti is on a building or property owned by a public utility, such as pumping station, please contact the service provider e.g. Yorkshire Water.
On council buildings
If graffiti is on one of our buildings, such as a leisure centre, street sign or council house, you should report it to us:
Email: IO_EnvServices@eastriding.gov.uk
Alternatively you can contact the customer service network on (01482) 393939.
You will then be given advice on what action we will take.
Criminal damage
Graffiti on any property other than, for example, a wall erected specifically for that purpose, is illegal. It is criminal damage.
We will not tolerate criminal damage and we will work closely with our colleagues at Humberside Police to prosecute anyone who paints or sprays graffiti on property without permission. People often have their own tag and do not realise the problems this causes or the cost of removing it. If you have any information on who is responsible for graffiti in your area, please contact Humberside Police on 101.
If graffiti is not reported and removed quickly, it can often lead to more graffiti appearing in the area.
Top of page
Designated public place orders (or no drinking zones as they are generally known) are in place in many villages and towns in the East Riding. The following pdf documents provide further information about no drinking zones.
No drinking zones iMap (pdf 9mb opens in new window)
No drinking zones booklet (pdf 214kb opens in new window)
You must not consume alcohol in a no drinking zone or have alcohol with you that you intend to consume in a no drinking zone, if you do you are likely to get it taken off you by a Police officer or (Police Community Support officer) PCSO.
People are not allowed to have sealed containers of alcohol in a no drinking zone if a Police officer or PCSO thinks that they will be consumed in the area.
For example if a group of youths are sat around in a no drinking zone drinking cans of beer and have a full crate of beer with them, it would be reasonable to assume that the sealed containers are likely to be drunk in the zone and would be seized.
If someone has been shopping and bought alcohol which is in their shopping bag and is walking through a no drinking zone on their way home, it is very unlikely that they will drink it whilst in the zone, there it would not be seized.
No drinking zones can be relaxed using a temporary events notice for a temporary period for special events such as a summer fete or street party for events i.e Royal weddings/one off festivals.
If you are organising a function that will involve the sale or consumption of alcohol in a no drinking zone. Further information is available on the temporary event notices page. No drinking zones can also be relaxed when a pavement licence is issued by highways licensing for consumption purposes.
For further information, please:
Email: safe.communities@eastriding.gcsx.gov.uk
or
Call: Nigel Brignall, Manager of the Anti Social Behaviour Team on 01482 396019.
Top of page
Many people enjoy going out to pubs and clubs in the East Riding to have a good time with their family and friends. A minority get into fights or start causing a nuisance and the excessive consumption of alcohol is often a contributory factor. This will not be tolerated.
Not only are people likely to get arrested, they may also be charged or reported for summons for criminal offence(s) or receive an £80 on-the-spot fine.
Section 27 of the Violent Crime and Reduction Act 2006 gives the Police powers to disperse people and arrest them if they return to the area.
Section 27 of the Violent Crime and Reduction Act 2006 (external website)
In addition they may be dispersed from the area where they are causing a problem and not allowed to return for up to 48 hours. If they do return and are seen by the Police, they are likely to be arrested and upon conviction of breaching the dispersal notice, will face a fine of up to £2,500.
Examples of dispersal areas are as follows:
Beverley - Section 27 map (pdf 791kb opens in new window)
Bridlington - Section 27 map (pdf 638kb opens in new window)
Goole - Section 27 map (pdf 619kb opens in new window)
Humberside Police and the East Riding of Yorkshire Council are also working together to deal with people who constantly cause alcohol related nuisance. This will involve the use of acceptable behaviour contracts and applications to the court for drink banning orders or anti social behaviour orders.
Top of page
If your neighbour’s camera is installed on their residential property and being used for their own personal domestic use, they are unlikely to be breaching the Data Protection Act. This is because the use of CCTV cameras for domestic security purposes is exempt from the data protection principles. This applies when a person uses CCTV to protect their home from burglary, even if the camera overlooks the street or other areas near their home.”
Local authorities have no powers to take action against residents in respect of the use of their own private CCTV systems. The Information Commissioner states that if you are concerned about the use of domestic CCTV (e.g. it is pointing at your property) it may be worth contacting Humberside Police by telephoning 101.
If the camera is pointed directly at your property or you suspect that it can capture part or all of your property, you may have a case to take action against them under legislation covered by the Human Rights Act. You may have sufficient grounds to say that you have had your privacy violated, that the CCTV system is tantamount to harassment and even voyeurism.
Prior to contacting the Police, I suggest that you speak to your neighbour in an attempt to come to some agreement with regards to what the camera(s) can capture and to make modifications to the installation.
Information Commissioners Office - CCTV guide for the public (external website)
Top of page
If you are not happy with the response you receive, you should use the general enquiry form on the right hand side of the page.
Alternatively you can email us:
Email: safe.communities@eastriding.gcsx.gov.uk
We will investigate your complaint in accordance with the council’s feedback procedure. We are here to help you, but please be patient with us as we receive a lot of enquiries and cannot always find a resolution to problems as quickly as we or you would like us to.
Top of page
If you would like to report anti social behaviour to the council, please report anti social behaviour online (opens in new window)
For advice and guidance on what can be done to tackle anti-social behaviour, contact your nearest customer service centre who will put you through to the appropriate service.
Find your nearest customer service centre.
Alternatively you can contact the anti social behaviour team, in strictest confidence by:
Email: safe.communities@eastriding.gcsx.gov.uk
We are committed to supporting victims of anti social behaviour. The first thing we do is talk the problem through with you in the strictest of confidence. After we understand the problem fully, we will let you know how we will investigate the matter and which service area will be responsible for carrying out the investigation. We manage a heavy workload and I am sure that you understand that vulnerable and repeat victims will be prioritised.
The Humberside Police website has further information on reporting crime:
Humberside Police- support for victims and witnesses (external website)
Top of page
