Anti-social behaviour – issues with neighbours
We want everyone living in our communities to be able to enjoy their homes in peace, but recognise that sometimes this is interrupted by disputes with neighbours or anti-social behaviour (ASB).
What is ASB
Generally, ASB is when someone acts in a way that upsets, harasses, alarms or distresses others. For example, noise nuisance is noise that is unreasonably and substantially interfering with someone’s enjoyment of their home. It must occur frequently and continue for a period of time to make it “unreasonable”.
The following are unlikely to be ASB:
• An occasional party
• Noise caused by everyday living
• Neighbours shouting or arguing
• DIY or gardening machinery during the day
• Babies crying
• Children playing
• Dogs barking
• Religious or cultural practices
• Cooking smells
• Smoking cigarettes (unless in communal areas)
Some issues between neighbours can be resolved with a friendly chat. If the issue is serious, however, or talking to your neighbour isn’t something you feel comfortable with or hasn’t changed anything, we’re here to help you.
If we don’t know who is causing the problem then it is unlikely we will be able to take action.
We will keep reports anonymous when requested, but this may limit the actions we can take.
Your Customer and Neighbourhood Officer will log and manage low-level ASB cases, subject to certain criteria. We will be clear with you about what we can and cannot do and we will refer your case to our ASB team if necessary.
Our specialist Anti-Social Behaviour team will manage more complex cases, according to Paradigm’s criteria. You can see these in our ASB policy below.
Here are some of the most common types of issues people can have with their neighbours and how we can work with you to resolve them.
If you want to report ASB, please call us on 0300 303 1010 or email ContactUs@ParadigmHousing.co.uk
Noise
Loud music – you can report loud music to your local council’s Environmental Health Team. Some councils offer a responsive service out of hours. Please also report persistent loud music to us.
Shouting and offensive language – if this is happening now, and you have a concern about the welfare of one of your neighbours, please contact the police on 999. You can report all other instances to us using the contact details above.
Dog barking – dogs will bark, and this is not normally anti-social behaviour. However, if dogs are being allowed to bark for an extended period of time and this is impacting on your wellbeing, you can report it to us. If you have concerns about the welfare of an animal, please contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.
Children playing – children playing would not normally be considered anti-social behaviour. However, if it is causing either disturbance or damage to property, you can report this to us.
Children crying – Babies and young children will often cry, especially during the night. This would not be considered anti-social behaviour. If you have a genuine concern about the welfare of a child, contact the children’s social care team at your local council. If you feel a child is at immediate risk of harm, call the police on 999.
Substance misuse
Drugs – if you suspect drugs are being used or dealt in your neighbourhood, please phone the police non-emergency number 101. Ask the police for a reference number. You can then report this to us if you know who is responsible or if the offences are being carried out in a Paradigm property.
Nuisance from alcohol/drug use – if you have a concern about somebody’s immediate welfare, contact the police on 999.
Drug paraphernalia – if there is drug paraphernalia on Paradigm property or in a communal area please let us know, using the contact details above.
Abusive behaviour
Abusive behaviour includes swearing, intimidation and threatening language and behaviour. If you have a concern for your own or somebody else’s immediate welfare, contact the police on 999. If you do not have an immediate concern, but a crime has taken place, call the police non-emergency number on 101. Ask the police for a reference number. If the abuse is directed at you and you believe the abuser is a Paradigm customer, you can report this to us using the contact details above.
Harassment
Harassment can include sustained abuse, online abuse, offensive graffiti and stalking. This should be reported to the police in the first instance. If you have a concern for somebody’s immediate welfare, contact the police on 999. If you do not have an immediate concern, but a crime has taken place, call the police non-emergency number on 101. Ask the police for a reference number. If the abuse is taking place in Paradigm homes or on our land, please report it to us.
Domestic abuse
Domestic abuse is any incident of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of their gender or sexuality. It covers a range of types of abuse, including, but not limited to, psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse.
If you have a concern for somebody’s immediate welfare, contact the police on 999. If you do not have an immediate concern, but a crime has taken place, call the police non-emergency number on 101. Ask the police for a reference number. You can then report it to us.
You can find more information on support for victims of Domestic Abuse on our website here.
ASB Policy
The Noise App
We are working with The Noise App to make reporting noise easier for you. Using the app, you will be able to easily record audio or video evidence of noise and submit it straight to us at the time of the incident.
How to download
Type in The Noise App into the app store on your mobile phone.
Select Paradigm Housing as your provider and complete your registration details. Ensure GPS is activated on your device.
Please be aware that you may have to wait for authorisation from us before you can send recordings.
How to record noise
Press and hold the circle in the bottom right corner of the screen – this will record for 30 seconds.
You can review the recording once completed.
If you are unhappy with the recording press X to start again. If you are happy press the tick.
You will then be asked several questions relating to where you are within your home (living room, bedroom etc), what the noise was and how impacted were you. You can also add some comments if you wish.
You can then send the recording to us which will add the case to your Noise Diary page on the app.
Managing your case
Open the case in the app and press activity which is found on the top right of the screen.
You can write a comment to us by adding this at the bottom of the screen and pressing the black arrow to send. You will be able to see any responses from us here.