Is what you're seeing/hearing Anti-Social Behaviour?
Use this tool to find out whether an activity is Anti-Social behaviour or not, what you can do, and when we can help.
Open the drop down boxes below to see the types of ASB.
If what you have seen is Anti-Social Behaviour, please report it now:
Neighbours arguing or shouting
We would not usually consider this Anti-Social behaviour.
- Everyone should be able to enjoy living in their home, so we ask that neighbours are considerate of those around them. Check out our Good Neighbours page for information about how you can make sure you’re not accidentally disturbing your neighbours, and tips about talking to your neighbours to resolve any problems early.
- Your neighbour might not have realised you can hear them. You should try to contact them and let them know that the noise is causing a problem. You can try knocking on their door to have a friendly chat.
- If this doesn’t work and you would like us to arrange mediation between you and your neighbour then please contact us.
- If the noise is persistent (lasting longer than thirty minutes a day, more than five days a week), or at night time (after 11pm and before 7am), and you do not feel safe approaching your neighbour, or you have tried and the situation hasn’t improved, then please contact us. We may recommend mediation, if you haven’t already tried this, or may ask you to complete diary sheets to keep a record of the dates and times of the noise.
- Where appropriate we can use sound recording equipment to work out if there has been a serious breach of tenancy.
If you are concerned about the welfare of someone in the household, you should contact the social services Safeguarding team and/or the Police.
Loud noise or music
We would only consider this to be Anti-Social behaviour if the noise is persistent.
- Everyone should be able to enjoy living in their home, so we ask that neighbours are considerate of those around them. Check out our Good Neighbours page for information about things you can do to make sure you’re not accidentally disturbing your neighbours, and tips about talking to your neighbours to resolve any problems early.
- Your neighbour might not have realised you can hear them. You should try to contact them and let them know that the noise is causing a problem. You can try knocking on their door to have a friendly chat.
- If this doesn’t work and you would like us to arrange mediation between you and your neighbour then please contact us.
- If the noise is persistent (lasting longer than thirty minutes a day, more than five days a week), or at night time (after 11pm and before 7am), and you do not feel safe approaching your neighbour, or you have tried and the situation hasn’t improved, then please contact us. We may recommend mediation, if you haven’t already tried this, or may ask you to complete diary sheets to keep a record of the dates and times of the noise.
- Where appropriate we can use sound recording equipment to work out if there has been a serious breach of tenancy. If we believe the noise is a statutory noise nuisance then we will also make a referral to the council’s Environmental Health team. They have powers to issue abatement notices, fines and confiscate equipment.
General living sounds
- We would not consider this to be Anti-Social Behaviour
- If you can hear general living sounds, for example footsteps, toilets flushing or children playing, from a neighbouring property and it is disturbing you, you should have a friendly chat with them. Your neighbours may not know that you can hear them.
- If you would like us to arrange mediation between you and your neighbour then please contact us.
- Remember that no house or flat is totally soundproof – everyone can expect to hear some noise from neighbours.
DIY
We would not usually consider this to be Anti-Social Behaviour
- Everyone should be able to enjoy living in their home, so we ask that neighbours are considerate of those around them. Check out our Good Neighbours page for information about things you can do to make sure you’re not accidentally disturbing your neighbours, and tips about talking to your neighbours to resolve any problems early.
- Lots of people have tasks that need doing around the home, especially if they have just moved in, or are redecorating. Many people work during the day and need to do DIY in the evening or at weekends. This doesn’t mean that work can carry on for long periods of time, or go on late into the night and start early in the morning.
- We suggest that you try to be mindful and considerate when completing noisy DIY, and to talk to your neighbours if it might go on for a long time.
- Your neighbour might not have realised you can hear them. You should try to contact them and let them know that the noise is causing a problem. You can try knocking on their door to have a friendly chat.
- If this doesn’t work and you would like us to arrange mediation between you and your neighbour then please contact us.
- If the noise is persistent (lasting longer than thirty minutes a day, more than five days a week), or at night time (after 11pm and before 7am), and you do not feel safe approaching your neighbour, or you have tried and the situation hasn’t improved, then please contact us. We may recommend mediation, if you haven’t already tried this, or may ask you to complete diary sheets to keep a record of the dates and times of the noise.
- Where appropriate we can use sound recording equipment to work out if there has been a serious breach of tenancy. If we believe the noise is a statutory noise nuisance then we will also make a referral to the council’s Environmental Health team. They have powers to issue abatement notices, fines and confiscate equipment.
Dangerous dogs
- 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 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 to report the dangerous dog.
- Once you have reported it to the police, please contact us.
- You should include the incident report number and the officer’s name so that we can make contact with them and agree the next steps with you and the police.
Verbal abuse
If you believe the verbal abuse to be of a criminal nature, you need to report it to the police immediately, and you must also let them know if you are concerned about your safety.
- Not all verbal exchanges are abuse. In instances where a verbal exchange leads to intimidation, harassment or is threatening then it can be considered verbal abuse.
- Once you have reported the incident(s) to the police, please contact us. You should include the incident report number and the officer’s name so that we can make contact with them and agree the next steps with you and the police.
We can always help more when we know who you are and can agree action plans with you. We will always keep your information confidential.
However, if you don’t want to give your name to us or the police then you can report crime anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Threats
This is a criminal offence, you need to report it to the police immediately, and you must also let them know if you are concerned about your safety.
- Once you have reported the incident(s) to the police, please contact us. You should include the incident report number and the officer’s name so that we can make contact with them and agree the next steps with you and the police.
We can always help more when we know who you are and can agree action plans with you. We will always keep your information confidential.
However, if you don’t want to give your name to us or the police then you can report crime anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Drug use or dealing
This is a criminal offence, you need to report it to the police immediately, and you must also let them know if you are concerned about your safety.
- Once you have reported the incident(s) to the police, please contact us. You should include the incident report number and the officer’s name so that we can make contact with them and agree the next steps with you and the police.
We can always help more when we know who you are and can agree action plans with you. We will always keep your information confidential.
However, if you don’t want to give your name to us or the police then you can report crime anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Assault
This is a criminal offence, you need to report it to the police immediately, and you must also let them know if you are concerned about your safety.
- Once you have reported the incident(s) to the police, please contact us. You should include the incident report number and the officer’s name so that we can make contact with them and agree the next steps with you and the police.
We can always help more when we know who you are and can agree action plans with you. We will always keep your information confidential.
However, if you don’t want to give your name to us or the police then you can report crime anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Gun or knife crime
This is a criminal offence, you need to report it to the police immediately, and you must also let them know if you are concerned about your safety.
- Once you have reported the incident(s) to the police, please contact us. You should include the incident report number and the officer’s name so that we can make contact with them and agree the next steps with you and the police.
We can always help more when we know who you are and can agree action plans with you. We will always keep your information confidential.
However, if you don’t want to give your name to us or the police then you can report crime anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
“Cuckooing” describes when criminals use violence and coercion to occupy someone’s property. The property is then used to prepare, store, and sell drugs.
The term cuckooing comes from when cuckoo birds take over the nest of other birds.
This is a criminal offence, you need to report it to the police immediately, and you must also let them know if you are concerned about your safety.
Once you have reported the incident(s) to the police, please contact us. You should include the incident report number and the officer’s name so that we can make contact with them and agree the next steps with you and the police.
We can always help more when we know who you are and can agree action plans with you. We will always keep your information confidential.
However, if you don’t want to give your name to us or the police then you can report crime anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
To view our dedicated 'cuckooing' page, please click the link below:
Hate crime
- This is a criminal offence, you need to report it to the police immediately, and you must also let them know if you are concerned about your safety. If there is immediate danger or you need support straight away, call 999. If there is no immediate danger, you can report hate crime by calling 101.
Once you have reported the incident(s) to the police, please contact us. You should include the incident report number and the officer’s name so that we can make contact with them and agree the next steps with you and the police.
We can always help more when we know who you are and can agree action plans with you. We will always keep your information confidential.
However, if you don’t want to give your name to us or the police then you can report crime anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
To view our dedicated hate crime page, please click the link below
Unsanitary conditions or hoarding
If you suspect someone is hoarding, or not able to look after their home, please contact your Housing Officer.
- If you have immediate concerns about your safety, or the safety of someone else, you should contact the police immediately.
Illegal activity taking place in a property
If you believe a property is being used for illegal activity, you should report it to the police immediately, and you must also let them know if you are concerned about your safety.
Once you have reported the incident(s) to the police, please contact us. You should include the incident report number and the officer’s name so that we can make contact with them and agree the next steps with you and the police.
We can always help more when we know who you are and can agree action plans with you. We will always keep your information confidential.
However, if you don’t want to give your name to us or the police then you can report crime anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Garden disputes
We do not consider a garden dispute to be Anti-Social Behaviour.
- Sometimes neighbours disagree over the use of a shared garden, or dispute ownership of fences or walls.
- Usually your tenancy will tell you what is and is not your responsibility, and normally states that boundaries should be kept in a good state of repair.
- If you are sprucing up a boundary wall or fence it’s a good idea to let your neighbours know first, and check that it won’t cause them any problems.
- If you are having a problem with your neighbour’s use of an outdoor space, try having a chat with them to let them know.
- If this doesn’t work and you would like us to arrange mediation between you and your neighbour then please contact us.
Abandoned cars
West Northamptonshire Council can investigate Abandoned Vehicles if they have been abandoned for longer than two weeks. Vehicles with a valid MOT and vehicle tax are not considered abandoned and will not be investigated.
If there is an emergency with the vehicle, for example, spilt petrol or live electrical wires, please report it to the police on 101.
If you have noticed a vehicle you believe to be abandoned, you should follow these steps:
- Start by speaking to your neighbours to see if they know who owns the car.
- If you have made enquiries and no-one knows, make a note of the registration number and make of the car or vehicle.
- You can use this information to check whether the vehicle has a valid MOT and vehicle tax online
- If the vehicle doesn't have a valid MOT, or isn't taxed, report it to Northampton Borough Council, with a photo if possible.
Please note: the process of removing a vehicle can take up to 10 weeks, as there are several steps that need to be taken before it can be removed. These include contacting the DVLA, finding the registered keeper and contacting them.
- If you believe the vehicle is stolen, please contact the police on 101, who will attend and recover the vehicle if it is stolen.
Fly-tipping
- Fly-tipping can be anything from a sack of rubbish to a dumped shopping trolley or mattress.
- If you have noticed rubbish you believe has been fly-tipped, start by speaking to your neighbours to find out if it belongs to them and they have already made arrangements to clear it.
- If you have made enquiries and no-one knows, you can take the following action:
- If the rubbish is on Northamptonshire Partnership Homes land, please report it by calling 0300 330 7003 or by sending an e-mail (with a photo if possible) to eservices@nph.org.uk
- If the rubbish is not on our land, please report it to West Northamptonshire Council (link - https://mycouncil.northampton.digital/reportIt.html)
If the problem keeps happening in the same place, or you have witnessed somebody fly-tipping and can identify them, then you should contact your Housing Officer (www.nph.org.uk/your-housing-officer) and they will investigate.
Graffiti
Graffiti is criminal damage, and can be reported to the police. However, the police aren’t able to remove it.
- If the graffiti personally targets you or your family, you need to report it to the police immediately, and you must also let them know if you are concerned about your safety.
- Once you have reported the incident(s) to the police, please contact us. You should include the incident report number, and the officer's name so that we can make contact with them and agree next steps with you and the police.
- If the graffiti is within a communal block of flats, please report it to us by calling 0300 330 7003 or by sending an e-mail (with a photo if possible) to eservices@nph.org.uk and we will arrange to get it removed. If it is racist or abusive, we will arrange to remove it within one working day.
- If the graffiti is anywhere else on Northamptonshire Partnership Homes land, please report it to us by calling 0300 330 7003.
- Removal of graffiti on private property is the property owner's responsibility.