Antisocial Behaviour

Crimes including incidents of violence, suspected drug dealing and racial harassment should always be reported to Police Scotland on 999 or 101 for non-emergencies.

 

In the case of a fire emergency Scottish Fire & Rescue Service should be contacted on 999.

 

The Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004 places a duty on each local authority and Chief Constable to jointly prepare, publish, review and revise a strategy to tackle Antisocial Behaviour (ASB).

The current strategy for Inverclyde was approved in 2025 by the Inverclyde Education and Communities Committee and endorsed by the Inverclyde Alliance Board and Community Safety Partnership.

The strategy outlines legislative requirements detailed in the document "Inverclyde Antisocial Behaviour Strategy 2025".

What is Antisocial Behaviour (ASB)?

As defined in the Antisocial Behaviour Etc. (Scotland) Act 2004:

"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 occur on at least two occasions to be classed as antisocial behaviour.

Examples 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.

    • Community Wardens: 0800 01 317 01 (13:00–23:30)

    Social Protection Team: 01475 714204 (09:00–17:00)

    Email via Contacts section (not for live incidents)

    Housing Associations

    Victim Support Scotland

    Support includes emotional help, agency liaison, updates, safety advice, mediation, and court support.

    Citizens Advice Scotland

    Free, confidential advice on rights and options. Help with noise, harassment, vandalism, and neighbour disputes.

  • Visit Citizens Advice | Visit Citizens Advice

    • Reports of scrambler bikes being ridden dangerously in Inverclyde are increasing.

    Illegal use includes riding unregistered bikes on public roads, parks, and pavements without a license or insurance.

    Legal Rules

    • Private land use requires landowner permission
    • Public land use is illegal without authorisation
    • Road use requires registration, tax, insurance, and a valid license
    • Road Traffic Act 1988 prohibits use on common/public land without authority

    Reporting

    Police Scotland: 101 or 999 in emergencies

    Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111 |

  • Online Form | Online Form