Reporting Anti-Social Behaviour

Anti-social behaviour encompasses a wide range of activities and behaviour and can mean different things to different people.

With that in mind, the Government has defined anti-social behaviour using broad terms. The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 states that anti-social behaviour occurs when a person has behaved in a manner ‘that caused or was likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons not of the same household as himself’. This can include many different types of behaviour and actions.

No one should simply have to ‘put up with’ or live in fear of anti-social behaviour.

If you feel you have been a victim of anti-social behaviour, or have witnessed anything that may cause harassment, alarm or distress to others, we want to help you to report it to the appropriate Council department or another agency.

Anti-social behaviour can be reported to the Council or to the police, depending on the nature of the incident. Listed below are different types of anti-social behaviour. They have been divided into various sections in order to direct you to the agency which is most appropriate.

If you are a Council or Housing Association Tenant you can report many forms of anti-social behaviour to your housing officer. They will be able to help you deal with the matter in the appropriate way. Please refer to the Council tenants’ section at the bottom of this article first to see if your complaint can be dealt with by your housing officer.

The Council

To report any of the following call 01344 352000 where your details will be taken and will be directed through to the appropriate Council department. You can also contact us online via the links below:

Abandoned shopping trolleys
Abandoned vehicles
Air pollution – e.g. bonfires/odours
Broken street lights
Dumped rubbish
Dog fouling
Fly posting
Graffiti on public property
Litter in the street
Noise nuisance
Nuisance alarms
Stray dogs
Syringes/needles in the street and public places
Under age sales – alcohol, tobacco, fire works, spray paints
Vandalism to public property or empty buildings

The Police

Many other actions are police matters and you are advised to contact Thames Valley Police on 0845 8 505505 to report the following. You should always ask for a crime number:

Begging
Premises used for drug purposes
Criminal damage
Disorderly behaviour – e.g. shouting, swearing, drunken, threatening behaviour
Driving at excessive speed / Dangerous driving
Drug/substance misuse (taking or dealing)
Drunken behaviour
Harassment/intimidation
Hate crimes – racist/homophobic
Inappropriate use of motorcycles/bicycles
Inconsiderate parking on the street
Kerb crawling
Malicious calls
Prostitution
Road rage
Skate boarding in Bracknell Town Centre or on the Highway
Sex acts in public places
Violence / threat of violence

Please note that the police will assess the urgency of response required for each call they receive. You will not necessarily receive an immediate response, and for some cases an appointment may be necessary to speak with a police officer. However, in an emergency where a crime is in progress your call will receive urgent attention.

Council tenants / Housing Association tenants

If you are a Council or Housing Association tenant and experience or are aware of any of the following problems, you can contact your Housing Officer who may be able to help you deal with the matter in the appropriate way:

Animal care or control issues
Domestic violence
Car repairs in gardens or communal areas
Harassment
Inappropriate ball games
Inconsiderate parking
Neighbour disputes
Noise problems
Substance misuse
Racial abuse
Unauthorised or inappropriate use of property or gardens
Vandalism

If you are experiencing anti-social behaviour but are unsure who to contact, email the Anti-social Behaviour Co-ordinator at the Council for advice: asb@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

If you are affected by anti-social behaviour and need further advice and support, you can contact Victim Support on 01344 411411.