Antisocial Behaviour

Antisocial Behaviour and Hate Incidents  

Watmos is fully committed to tackling antisocial behaviour (ASB) and to resolving issues brought to our attention as quickly as possible. We work in partnership with local authority departments, the police and other relevant organisations to deter and tackle ASB and hate incidents on our estates and in our neighbourhoods.  

What is Antisocial Behaviour?

ASB is defined as behaviour by a person which causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.  

ASB can include a range of behaviours that are unacceptable and can have a big impact on the lives of residents.  

All Watmos tenants and leaseholders are responsible for their own behaviour and for the behaviour of anyone living in or visiting their home.

We ask that you act in a considerate way towards other s and try to sort out minor disputes by talking to your neighbours if you feel safe doing so.

Listed below are examples of things we consider to be ASB and those that are not deliberate acts of ASB where we may look at other solutions. 

Things we consider to be ASB include:  

  • Verbal abuse  
  • Behaviour that is aggressive, threatening or causing intimidation or harassment  
  • Threats of physical violence  
  • Criminal activity from drug dealing  
  • Criminal damage including graffiti
  • Uncontrolled animals  
  • Rowdy behaviour or drunkenness  
  • Criminal activity that affects the community  
  • Cannabis cultivation  
  • Nuisance vehicles including motorbikes  
  • Dumping rubbish   

This list does not cover everything that may be considered to be ASB  

Examples of behaviour that we do not consider to be ASB include:  

  • Clash of lifestyles including different working patterns or cultural differences  
  • Cooking odours  
  • Children’s play  
  • One off parties/BBQs  
  • Dogs barking every now and then  
  • Parking issues  
  • Social media disagreements  
  • DIY and other household activities at reasonable times

What is a Hate Incident  

A hate incident is any incident which the victim, or anyone else, thinks is based on someone’s prejudice towards them because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or because they are transgender.

Not all hate incidents will be criminal offences, but it is important that they are reported.

Hate Crime is criminal behaviour motivated behaviour motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person's race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or because they are transgender and should be reported to the police.

Policies

You can find out more in our Antisocial Behaviour and Hate Incidents Policy   

If you are concerned about domestic abuse, you can find out more in our Domestic Abuse Policy

How to report ASB, harassment or hate incidents and get support  

You should always call the police on 999 in an emergency for example if there is an immediate threat of danger or harm to life.

If it is not an emergency but you would like to speak to the police call 101.

You can report a crime anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ You can report ASB, harassment and Hate Incidents to Watmos online:  Report ASB | Watmos

Alternatively, you can  contact us  
Telephone: 01922 471910 (Walsall)   0207 043 0670 (London)   Or by email to:  info@watmos.org.uk

When you report ASB to us we will:

  • Respond within five working days, or sooner for more serious incidents  

  • Ask for the details and evidence to make sure that we fully understand the issue. We may ask you to help us by providing evidence or report incidents to the police  

  • Agree an action plan with you and tell you what we can do and what you can do to help to resolve things  

  • Organise mediation where it may help to resolve issues with your neighbours.  

  • Keep you informed of any progress   

  • Depending on the circumstances, we may take formal action. This could range from warnings to legal action including injunctions and, as a last resort, seeking possession of a home.  

You can also get support from other organisations

As well as the support we can offer you, there are other organisations that can help you with different types of ASB.  

The government has published this guide to help you deal with ASB.   

For noise levels that are harmful to health contact:  

For concerns about animal welfare and cruelty to animals contact the RSPCA:  

Fly-tipping (dumping rubbish) on public land can be reported to   

I have reported anti-social behaviour, what help can you offer me?

We offer confidential support to everyone affected by ASB, as a victim or a witness. The support we offer will depend on your individual circumstances. We will start our investigation as quickly as possible. Our Tenancy Officers use a wide range of methods to tackle ASB. We will consider how regular or persistent the ASB is and the impact it is having on you. We will open a case and agree actions with you about how we are going to tackle the ASB together. We will also agree how and when we will keep you updated. We will work with partners including the police and local authority to take action against those causing ASB where appropriate and w here they can offer other solutions.  

What can I do about noisy neighbours?

Noise that is part of everyday life such as babies crying, children playing or people using household appliances at reasonable times is not considered to be ASB. Noise is considered to be ASB when it is regular and excessive. We know that this can be distressing. The first step is to speak to your neighbour about the noise if you feel safe to do so, as they may not realise that it is affecting you. If this does not resolve the issue, then please let us know. The local authority has a duty to investigate noise levels that are harmful to health.  

How long does it take you to respond to a report of ASB?

When you report ASB we will start an investigation within 5 working days . This may be sooner depending on the type of ASB and if there has been harassment or violence we will interview you within 1 working day.  

What does the mediation service do?

They help neighbours to resolve disputes by helping both sides to come to an agreement.