The Housing Department seeks to work proactively with victims and perpertrators of Anti-Social Behaviour.
Please click here to access our Anti-Social Behaviour policy which gives you further information on how we aim to work together with our residents in tackling anti-social behaviour.
Anti-social behaviour (ASB) is defined as 'behaviour which causes or is likely to cause harassment alarm and or distress to others'. It is about a continuous experience whereby victims are repeatedly subjected to abusive behaviour from individuals who typically are known to them. It includes behaviour such as:
- noise nuisance
- fly tipping
- littering
- verbal abuse
- intimidation
Black Country Housing can impose ASBOs, like other social landlords and the local authority, if we believe that the behaviour will not otherwise cease.
Why is it important to know?
Anti-social behaviour affects lives. It doesn’t just make life unpleasant; it prevents the renewal of disadvantaged areas and creates an environment where more serious crime can take hold.
Anti-social behaviour is an issue in Sandwell and the surrounding boroughs and it is also expensive. It is estimated to cost the British taxpayer £3.4 billion a year!
Why does it happen?
There are a variety of factors which increase the risk of anti-social behaviour:
- Parenting
Poor parenting skills, a weak parent/child relationship and a family history of problem behaviour - School
Truancy, exclusion and unchallenged bad behaviour - Community life
Living in deprived areas with disorder and neglect, lack of community spirit, living in areas with an already high-level of anti-social behaviour - Individual factors
Drug and alcohol abuse, alienation and early involvement in anti-social behaviour
Black Country Housing is committed to working with local communities to educate, change behaviour and promote 'Respect'.