Issues with anti-social behaviour can become worse as the spring approaches and we all spend more time outdoors or with windows and doors open.

Avon and Somerset Police want to make sure that no one feels they have to 'put up' with anti-social behaviour.

Deputy Chief Constable Rob Beckley said: "We are committed to delivering a 'gold standard' of service to people suffering from the impact of anti-social behaviour.

"Our aim is to deal with issues there and then, but if there is a longer-term issue we will work with the community and partners like councils and housing providers to put a stop to them."

What is anti-social behaviour?

Anti-Social Behaviour is defined as: "Acting in a manner that causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons not of the same household." (Crime and Disorder Act)

Some anti-social behaviour is a crime, such as:

• Damage to property and graffiti
• Rowdy drunken behaviour
• Setting fires
• Inconsiderate use of vehicles.

Some anti-social behaviour is not a criminal offence, such as:

• Noisy neighbours
• Littering, including drug-related litter
• Vehicles abandoned on the road.

The police, councils and other agencies like housing providers often work together as we all have different powers to deal with different problems.

What you can do

Reporting incidents is vital. It means police and other agencies can act early to tackle problems or gather evidence for further action. You can call your neighbourhood team on 101.

If it's an emergency, with a crime happening there and then or someone at risk of getting hurt call 999.

You can also report anti-social behaviour to your local council:

• Bath & North East Somerset Council – 01225 477000
• Bristol City Council – 0117 922 2000
• Mendip District Council – 01749 648999
• North Somerset Council – 01934 888888
• Sedgemoor District Council – 0845 408 2540
• South Gloucestershire Council – 01454 868009
• South Somerset District Council – 01935 462462
• Taunton Deane Borough Council – 01823 356356
• West Somerset Council – 01643 703704

Keep a diary

If you are being targeted by anti-social behaviour you may be offered a diary to complete. This helps us plan the police response and provides evidence which may help in any prosecution. It is always useful to:

• Note down the date and time and place of the incident
• Detail what happened, who was there (by name if known) and their description
• Record how the incident made you feel
• If you reported it, note who you told and when.

If the incident is a crime, or you feel unsafe, call police immediately.

You can download a diary template here

What can be done

There are several ways police and partner agencies can deal with anti-social behaviour. These can include:

• Patrolling the area
• Directing people to leave
• Arrest and prosecution if a crime has been committed
• Agreeing an Acceptable Behaviour Contract with the person responsible for the anti-social behaviour
• Restorative justice – where the culprit and victim agree what should be done to repair the harm

Councils and housing providers also have powers including:

• Enforce tenancy conditions or evictions
• Serve noise abatement orders
• Enforce or change the conditions of premises licensed to sell alcohol.

For more information download the leaflet 'Anti-Social Behaviour – Your Guide'.

Bristol, BANES, South Glos and North Somerset edition

Somerset edition