Anti-Social Behaviour Unit

Surveys have shown that anti-social behaviour is a major concern for most people. It can range from noisy neighbours to neighbourhood disputes and aggressive or threatening behaviour to vandalism and litter.

Some of this behaviour is unlawful and some is just simply a nuisance. It lowers the standards of areas and often becomes the catalyst for areas to be hot spots for minor crime, this in turn can have a serious and detrimental effect on the quality of life enjoyed not only by individuals but whole neighbourhoods and communities.

Because of impact of anti social behaviour the Stevenage Community Safety partnership is fully committed to challenging it and thereby reducing the problems it can cause.

We have an anti social behaviour co-ordinator, based in Daneshill House, who works with the police, housing associations and Stevenage Homes.  To help reduce some of the problems Neighbourhood Wardens and the implementation of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs), targeted at the most difficult of offenders, and Acceptable Behavior Contracts (ABC's) have been introduced.

The Police also have a dedicated Constable and Police Community Safety Officer who deal with anti-social issues and Stevenage Homes have full time staff working to reduce the problems that anti-social behavior can cause.

The Borough Council also run a noise monitoring unit which works in to the early hours of the mornings at weekends and deals with specific complaints involving the anti social aspects of loud music or other noise issues.

It is important that problems are reported as soon as they arise so that the council can plan and deal with them before they get too big.

The vast majority of cases which are reported are settled amicably using, where necessary, mediation and arbitration. To date all mediated cases have been resolved but when this is not possible other alternatives are explored. The anti social behaviour officers can get those responsible to enter into Anti Social Behaviour Contracts which are signed agreements aimed at getting the offenders to recognise their behaviour and adjust it accordingly. Anti Social Behaviour Orders can also be put in place. These are imposed by the Courts and carry a severe penalty if they are broken.

Last year over 65 Anti Social Behaviour Contracts were signed by people who had been involved in anti social behavior, and it was only necessary for one case to be taken to Court for an Anti Social Behaviour Order to be put in place.

If you have any concerns regarding anti-social behavior then please do not hesitate to contact your Ward Police Constable, Police Community Safety Officer through the number for Stevenage Police Station.

The Stevenage Homes Anti-Social Behaviour Officer can be contacted through the Customer Service Centre on 01438-242242.

Alternatively you can contact, the councils anti social behavior co-ordinator on 01438 242834 or e-mail on bianca.rembrant@stevenage.gov.uk.