ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR (ASB)

Antisocial behaviour (ASB) is defined in law as “behaviour by a person which causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to persons not of the same household as the person.”   (Antisocial Behaviour Act 2003 and Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011).

ASB covers a wide range of behaviours that negatively affect individuals, neighbourhoods and public spaces. Below is a clear explanation of how ASB is classified and the types of behaviour it includes.

How Antisocial Behaviour Is Classified

There are three main categories of antisocial behaviour, based on who is affected:

Personal ASB

When a person targets a specific individual or group.

Nuisance ASB

When a person causes trouble, annoyance or suffering to a community.

Environmental ASB

When a person’s actions affect the wider environment, such as public spaces, buildings or shared areas.

Types of Antisocial Behaviour

Under these categories, antisocial behaviour is grouped into 13 recognised types:

1. Vehicle Abandoned

Vehicles left by their owner, including scrap or “end of life” vehicles, or vehicles damaged in collisions and not awaiting recovery.

If a vehicle appears abandoned, report it to your local council. Do not approach or enter the vehicle.

2. Vehicle Nuisance or Inappropriate Use

Includes street cruising, vehicle convoys, off‑road riding/driving, misuse of go‑peds or motorised skateboards, electric‑propelled cycles, and unlicensed vehicle dealing (two or more vehicles within 500 metres).

For dangerous driving, off‑road bikes, street cruising or nuisance vehicle use, report it to the police via 101 or online. If the behaviour is ongoing and dangerous, call 999.

3. Rowdy or Inconsiderate Behaviour

General nuisance behaviour in public places or places accessible to the public. Does not include domestic incidents, harassment or public disorder (these should be reported as crimes).

If the behaviour is causing harassment, alarm or distress, report it to the police. If it is low‑level nuisance, you may also report it to your local council.

4. Rowdy or Nuisance Neighbours

Noise, disputes, boundary issues, parking disagreements, loud parties or persistent nuisance caused by neighbours.

Try speaking to the neighbour if safe to do so. If the problem continues, report it to your local council’s environmental or ASB team. If threats, intimidation or criminal behaviour occur, contact the police.

5. Littering or Drugs Paraphernalia

Fly‑posting, discarded litter, rubbish, needles, syringes or drugs‑related items in public places.

Do not touch needles, syringes or drug‑related items. Report all littering and hazardous waste to your local council for safe removal.

6. Animal Problems

Uncontrolled animals, stray dogs, persistent barking, fouling, or intimidation involving animals.

For stray dogs, fouling, noise or nuisance involving animals, report it to your local council. If an animal is dangerous or someone is at immediate risk, call the police.

7. Trespassing

Entering land, water or premises without permission. Ranges from shortcuts through gardens to unauthorised campsites.

If trespassing is non‑threatening, report it to your local council or landowner. If trespassers are causing damage, threatening behaviour or criminal activity, contact the police.

8. Nuisance Calls

Silent calls, repeated unwanted calls, or intrusive cold‑calling from businesses. Does not include indecent, threatening or offensive calls (these are crimes).

Report nuisance or silent calls to your phone provider. If the calls are threatening, indecent or abusive, report them to the police.

9. Street Drinking

Unlicensed drinking in public spaces where behaviour becomes antisocial. Includes spontaneous street parties that spill into public areas.

If behaviour is disorderly or causing harassment, alarm or distress, report it to the police. If it is low‑level nuisance, report it to your local council, especially in Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) areas.

10. Prostitution‑Related Activity

Loitering, displaying cards, promoting prostitution, or activity around brothels that impacts residents. Does not include kerb‑crawling (this is a crime).

Report loitering, carding or brothel‑related nuisance to the police or your local council. If you witness exploitation or someone at risk, call the police immediately.

11. Nuisance Noise

Noise nuisance not involving neighbours (e.g., commercial premises, public spaces, gatherings).

For noise from commercial premises, public spaces or gatherings, report it to your local council’s environmental health team. If the noise involves threats or disorder, contact the police.

12. Begging

Begging or asking for donations in public without a licence, or encouraging a child to do so. Unlicensed ticket sellers near transport hubs may also fall under this category.

Report unlicensed begging to your local council. If someone appears vulnerable or at risk, contact the police or local support services.

13. Misuse of Fireworks

Inappropriate use, unlawful sale or possession of fireworks, or noise caused by fireworks.

If fireworks are being used dangerously, illegally or late at night, report it to the police. If it is a noise nuisance without danger, report it to your local council.

Residents in Bedfordshire can report issues to:

Luton

Central Bedfordshire

Bedford Borough Council