Definitions of anti-social behaviour
The legal definition of anti-social behaviour is set out in the Anti-Social Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004:
A person engages in anti-social behaviour if they: Act in a manner that causes or is likely to cause alarm and distress; or pursue a course of conduct that causes or likely to cause alarm and distress to at least one person’s not of the same household as them. Anti-social behaviour may include what a person says, and a course of conduct means something done on at least two occasions.
Argyll and Bute Council and its partners are committed to improving the quality of life for everyone in Argyll and Bute and in providing a safe and secure environment to enable communities to live harmoniously and free from the negative impact of anti-social behaviour.
Reports of anti-social behaviour will be investigated, where appropriate, in conjunction with relevant outside agencies. Action taken against those responsible will be proportionate to the seriousness of the activity in which they are engaged. And appropriate to their personal circumstances. All instances of anti-social behaviour which are criminal will be reported to Police Scotland who may undertake criminal investigations.
Antisocial behaviour may include, but is not limited to the following:
- Noise disturbances, such as, shouting, banging, loud music, noisy parties
- Harassment
- Verbal Abuse
- Disturbances from groups of people near your place of residence
- Hate crimes, including race, religion or faith, sexual orientation, disability or transgender or gender identity
- Violence or threats of violence
- Drug related activity
Definitions of what is not considered as anti-social behaviour
Sometimes you may find behaviour disruptive. This is not always anti-social. The following examples may be inconvenient, but are not automatically anti-social behaviour:
- Children playing
- Car parking
- Babies crying
- Disputes on social media
- General household living noise at reasonable times
- DIY at reasonable times
- Cooking odours
- Smoking in own homes
- One-off parties
- Life-style clash
- Civil disputes between neighbours, for example, fence boundaries
If any of the above cause fear and worry about your safety, the safety of someone else, or the safety of your community then contact us.
Reporting anti-social behaviour
Email: Sheena.McLean@argyll-bute.gov.uk (Argyll and Bute Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour co-ordinator) or CommunitySafety@argyll-bute.gov.uk
Phone: 01586 559046 or contact Customer Services on 01546 605522
Anti Social Noise Nuisance
Environmental Health - 01546 605519 or envhealth@argyll-bute.gov.uk
Private Landlord Registration - 01546 604408 or landlord.registration@argyll-bute.gov.uk
