Anti Social Behaviour Awareness Week 2021
Monday 19 July 2021
This week Beyond Housing is supporting the UK’s first ever ASB Awareness Week, a whole week dedicated to bringing people and organisations together from across the country to take a stand and make our communities safer.
We all have a right to live peacefully in our homes and we all have a responsibility to be a good neighbour. The pressures of modern life mean we all have our off days, and we need to make a special effort to get along.
Being anti-social or causing a nuisance or annoyance to our neighbours stops them from enjoying their home.
Nationally, we have seen a rise in ASB reports during the various national lockdowns and the situation is expected to get worse as society starts to open up. Addressing this challenge is a national priority. ASB is not low-level crime, it devastates the lives of victims and communities. People deserve to feel safe where they live. Tackling ASB is more important than ever – we must stand together.
Here are a few general key messages:
- The last year has been challenging for everyone and has meant spending more time at home. A total of 3.2 million households in the UK have acquired a pet since the start of the pandemic, according to the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association. If you own a pet, take all reasonable steps to keep your pet under control so as not to cause a nuisance or annoyance to anyone in your neighbourhood. Do not leave animals alone for long periods of time and take reasonable care to ensure your pet does not foul in public places or cause any damage
- People have used their additional time at home to carry out improvements. Try to carry out unavoidable noisy activities such as DIY jobs during the hours of 8am to 7pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 5pm on a Sunday
- Noise is the biggest reason for reports of ASB. Keep the volume of noise (including any music equipment, radios, and televisions) as low as possible, especially at night. Position loudspeakers well away from adjoining walls
- The summer holidays are coming, and it will be time to get the barbeques out. Do not burn garden waste or have a barbeque when your neighbour has washing out. Position them where the smoke and smell will least likely blow onto their properties. Follow the council’s guidance if you intend to have a garden bonfire, this is available on the council’s website.
Everybody needs good neighbours
Consider your neighbours and their circumstances and try to be tolerant. Remember some people cannot easily stop some behaviour (e.g. babies crying, young children playing).
We can help to maintain a friendly relationship with our neighbours by communicating regularly with them, listening to any problems they have and discussing them to help find solutions. Keep your neighbours informed of any impending work or parties that may affect them.
Great neighbours make great neighbourhoods – here’s some great advice on being a good neighbour.
Remember, you can report anti-social behaviour in the following ways:
- Via our online report form at the bottom of this page
- Download the ReMOTE app
- In writing to any of our housing offices
- By phoning our 24 hour service centre on 0345 065 5656.
