If I report it, what can you do about anti-social behaviour?

We take reports of anti-social behaviour seriously and tackle them in a range of ways. We get involved at an early stage. This is called intervention.

Early interventions, such as early warnings, visits and letters are very important in stopping any problems getting worse.

The purpose of any intervention is to:

• Protect victims, witnesses and the community
• Help the person responsible for the problem to recognise the result of their behaviour
• Make sure the person responsible changes their behaviour

Measures that can be used by Southampton City Council and the police against the person responsible include:

• Warning letters and interviews, contracts and agreements including Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs);
• Parenting Orders, Parenting Programmes, Family Intervention Projects (FIPs), Individual Support Orders (ISOs), Noise Abatement Notices, Injunctions (ASBIs), Dispersal powers and Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs);
• ‘Crack house’ closure orders;
• Demotion Orders, Possession proceedings against a tenant.

The most effective interventions are those that involve the individual. These can help them to change their own behaviour. As as taking action against the people responsible, investigators will look for other ways to help to improve the area and discourage crime and ASB, and could include better lighting or fencing.

If you would like more information about any of these interventions, please contact the Anti-Social Behaviour Team.