Antisocial Behaviour
What is Antisocial Behaviour (ASB)?
The definition of antisocial behaviour, as described in the Antisocial Behaviour Etc. (Scotland) Act 2004, is as follows:
"A person engages in antisocial behaviour if they act in a manner that causes or is likely to cause alarm and distress or pursues a course of conduct which causes or is likely to cause alarm and distress to at least one person who is not of the same household"
An incident must take place on at least two occasions for it to be classed as antisocial behaviour. Examples of antisocial behaviour include:
- Loitering and behaving in a disruptive manner
- Disorderly behaviour
- Vandalism
- Noisy parties
- Verbal abuse
What is not Antisocial Behaviour (ASB)?
It can be difficult to determine what ASB is and although there are some types of behaviour which people can find annoying they are not classed as antisocial and may not be investigated by us. Some examples of what is not antisocial behaviour include:
- Children playing in the street or communal areas - unless they are causing damage to property.
- Young people gathering socially - unless they are being disruptive, intimidating individuals, etc.
- Behaviour that is merely different to your own, for example a different lifestyle, culture or religion.
- Being unable to park outside your own home.