Anti-Social Behaviour
Wolverhampton Homes recognises that in order to provide an excellent housing service it must be effective in tackling the problems created by Anti-Social Behaviour. Council tenants and other residents should be able to live free from violence, disturbance or nuisance. Anti-Social Behaviour will not be tolerated and this will be made clear to tenants, leaseholders and anyone seeking a tenancy.
Please click on the documents below to read our Statement of Policy and Procedures on Anti-Social Behaviour and also our Summary document. You will also find some useful information on securing your home.
We will share information with other agencies including the Police to prevent Anti-Social Behaviour in line with the Crime and Disorder Act 1998
For further information and advice use our online e-form (secure)
What is Anti-Social Behaviour?
We define Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) as behaviour "which caused or was likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons from the same household.” Examples of ASB can include using or threatening violence, racist or homophobic behaviour, threatening or intimidating behaviour and excessive noise.
Reporting ASB
• Visit your Housing Office
• Write to your Estate Manager at your Housing Office
• Telephone Homes Direct on (01902) 556789
• On line by completing our online e-form (secure)
• By email to enquiry@wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk
• By telephoning the It’s Your Call reporting line on 01902 551188
• To report new serious instances of ASB outside of office hours telephone the Council’s Emergency Out of Hours service: (01902) 552999. We will respond within office hours (see responding to ASB)
• If you suffer from violence or harassment or the threat of either you should also report the matter to the Police
Click here for details of how to contact Wolverhampton Homes: Getting in Touch
Responding To Your Report of ASB
When we receive a complaint we will respond as follows:
Category A: Serious
• Harassment/Intimidation: includes threats of violence
• Criminal Activity: such as assault, arson or theft
• Domestic Violence
• Racially motivated incidents
• Sexual acts: such as indecent exposure or prostitution
We aim to interview you on the same day or within one working day
Category B: Persistent:
• Criminal Damage: damage to property or vandalism
• Noise: such as loud music, shouting, domestic noise or vehicle noise
• General Nuisance: such ads gangs of youths causing problems or car repairs in the street
• Drug related problems
• Animal related issues such as uncontrolled aggressive dogs
We aim to acknowledge the complaint within two working days in writing or by telephone and interview you within ten working days
Category C: Nuisance
• Environmental issues: such as animal fouling, fly tipping, abandoned vehicles, rubbish, graffiti (unless of a discriminatory or racial nature when it will; be Category A)
We aim to acknowledge you complaint within five working days in writing or by telephone and interview you within ten working days
What You Can Do:
• Report incidents of ASB to Wolverhampton Homes and if appropriate to the Police. Your case will be managed by your Estate Manager with support if necessary from one of our ASB Co-ordinators.
• Keep a written record of all incidents for example when the incident occurred, what happened and who was there
• Tell us the names of those behaving anti-socially. If you do not know their names tell us what they look like and what they wear
• You may wish in the first instance to speak to the person responsible but only if it is safe to do so
• Tell us what you want us to do. We will only act with your consent
What We Will Do
• Respond to all reports of Anti-Social Behaviour within the time limits specified above
• We will agree an action plan with you
• We will maintain contact with you throughout the complaint advising on progress that is being made
• We will not disclose your details to the alleged perpetrator (if there is a need to disclose your details we will ask your permission)
• We will be open and honest and provide you with realistic advice about what we can do to help and what we can’t
Support We Can Provide
Wolverhampton Homes seeks to ensure that residents feel supported when they report ASB by offering day to day support right through to helping them attend court.
• Provide a personal attack alarm
• Provide a mobile 999 telephone
• Use Injunctions to address witness intimidation
• Provide diary sheets or a Dictaphone to record any incidents
• Provide regular contact from staff
• Go with you on a pre-trial Court visit
• Provide practical support during Court cases
• Provide a personal escort to and from Court
• With your permission we can refer you to Victim Support
• Provide advice on how to record and present evidence
• Provide advice on improving security at home
• Where legal action is being taken you will be given a contact number for your ASB Co-ordinator for any necessary support or advice
Action We Can Take:
The full details of the sanctions available are contained within our Statement of Policy and Procedures and include:
• Possession Orders
• Injunctions
• Anti-Social Behaviour Orders
• Demotion of Tenancies
• Extension of Introductory Tenancies
• Acceptable Behaviour Contracts
We provide annual funding to Wolverhampton Mediation Services which is an independent organisation offering mediation to resolve neighbour disputes. We will with your permission refer all appropriate cases to them to see if they can assist you to resolve the issue.