What we can do to stop the problem
There are lots of different powers which we can use to tackle anti social behaviour, some of them are powers which only Landlords have and others we can use in partnership with other Agencies. These are the tools we use most often to stop anti social behaviour:
Acceptable Behaviour Contracts
What are they? These are contracts between an individual or family, a landlord, the Community Safety Unit and the Police. They are usually held at the Police Station and the person causing the problem is asked to sign up to specific conditions such as not being abusive or throwing stones.They are not legally binding.
When are they used? Where there is a group of youths causing low-level problems.
Anti Social Behaviour Orders
What are they? ASBOs are civil orders which protect the public from anti social behaviour. They can be made on anyone aged 10 or over. A breach of an ASBO is a criminal offence.
When are they used? Where there is a record of consistent anti social behaviour by an individual and their behaviour is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
Injunctions
What are they? An injunction is a civil order from the County Court, it is used to stop an individual from acting anti socially, in some cases it can exclude someone from entering a certain area. It can be used on anyone aged 18 or over.
When are they used? When a swift resolution is needed possibly because there has been a threat of violence.
Possession Proceedings
What are they? This is where someone could potentially lose their home. Initially a Notice Seeking Possession would be served, giving notice of FCHO's intention to apply to the County Court for possession. If the problem continued FCHO would apply to the Court. The Court would then consider the case and decide whether to give FCHO possession. If possession is given the tenant would then be evicted.
When are they used? Where anti social behaviour is having an adverse effect on the lives of residents and FCHO have a strong and consistent record of the problems being caused.
Mediation
What is it? FCHO an independent third party who work with neighbours who are having difficulties with one another to try to reach a solution to a problem.
When is this used? It’s usually used where there are problems between two or more neighbours, it’s usually a problem like noise nuisance such as a barking dog or loud music.