Anti-social behaviour information and reporting

What is Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)?

Antisocial behaviour is behaviour that causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to another person outside the same household. This can include behaviour that harms people directly, damages communities, or makes public spaces feel unsafe.

ASB can happen in public places, around homes, or in shared spaces. It can be a one off serious incident or a pattern of repeated behaviour.

The following are examples of behaviour that may be considered ASB, depending on the impact, frequency and context:

Behaviour that harms or frightens people

• Threatening, intimidating or aggressive behaviour
• Harassment, including repeated unwanted contact or abuse
• Hate incidents or behaviour linked to protected characteristics
• Verbal abuse or threatening language
• Using CCTV or recording equipment to harass or invade someone’s privacy

Behaviour that disrupts neighbourhoods or public spaces

• Persistent or excessive noise (for example loud music, shouting, or parties)
• Rowdy or aggressive behaviour linked to alcohol or substance misuse
• Groups causing repeated disturbance in a way that makes others feel unsafe
• Begging or street activity that is aggressive or intimidating

Environmental anti‑social behaviour

• Fly‑tipping or illegal dumping of waste
• Graffiti or vandalism
• Damage to property, vehicles or communal areas
• Abandoned vehicles

Serious or criminal related behaviour

• Drug dealing or drug related activity
• Dangerous or uncontrolled dogs
• Behaviour linked to criminal activity that is impacting the wider community

We always look at who is affected, how often the behaviour happens, and how serious the impact is, rather than relying on a fixed list.

What is Not Anti-social Behaviour

Some situations can be upsetting or frustrating but are not usually classed as ASB, particularly where they are everyday activities, one off incidents, or part of normal living.

These include:

Everyday living noise and activities

• Children playing or babies crying
• Normal household noise, such as footsteps, doors closing, or daytime DIY
• One off events like birthday parties or celebrations
• Smells from cooking

Lifestyle differences or disagreements

• Differences in lifestyles, routines or cultural practices
• People socialising or gathering peacefully
• Minor neighbour disagreements where there is no harassment or intimidation

Parking and local disputes

• Inconsiderate parking (unless it is persistent, dangerous or deliberately obstructive)
• Boundary disputes between neighbours
• Complaints about lawful use of public highways
• Allegations about businesses running from a property

Isolated or low‑impact issues

• One‑off incidents with no ongoing risk
• Issues that are accidental or quickly resolved
• Reports that are malicious, vexatious or unreasonable
• Children or adults gathering in public places, such as parks, play areas, outside shops or precincts

The Wokingham Borough Safer Communities Partnership works to prevent anti‑social behaviour where we can, and to deal with it quickly when it happens. We focus on early support – such as youth outreach or informal warnings - to stop problems escalating.

When anti‑social behaviour continues, we will take appropriate action to protect others. At the same time, we work to address the underlying causes, for example by helping people access support with alcohol, drugs or other challenges, to reduce the risk of issues happening again.