Anti-social behaviour online

We're committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and have dedicated teams working with a victim-centred approach, helping you to feel safe in your home and neighbourhood.

Report anti-social behaviour

Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home and community.

This page explains what anti-social behaviour is, what is not classed as anti-social behaviour, how to report concerns and what happens after a report is made.

Report anti-social behaviour

You can report antisocial behaviour by filling in the form below, or by telling someone from our team at Bernicia. You can also:

It’s important to note that if you are in immediate danger, you should contact emergency services by dialling 999.

We are committed to tackling Antisocial Behaviour in our areas of management. We operate a victim-centred approach and have dedicated, specialist Safer Communities Team.

Anti-social behaviour is behaviour that causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to another person.

In housing, it can also mean behaviour that causes, or is likely to cause, nuisance or annoyance to someone in or near their home.

This means behaviour that affects someone’s safety, wellbeing or ability to enjoy their home or community.

Examples of anti-social behaviour may include:

  • threats or intimidation
  • harassment
  • hate crime or hate incidents
  • domestic abuse (with links to specialist support)
  • violence
  • criminal damage
  • drug dealing or drug-related criminal activity
  • persistent loud parties or excessive noise at unreasonable hours
  • vandalism
  • deliberate nuisance
  • fly tipping
  • persistent animal nuisance where owners fail to control pets
  • fire setting
  • neighbour disputes involving threatening or abusive behaviour

Not every nuisance or disagreement is anti-social behaviour.

The table below gives examples of behaviour that may be classed as anti-social behaviour, and examples of everyday living noise or neighbour issues that would not usually be treated as anti-social behaviour. We will look at each report based on what has happened, how often it has happened and the impact it is having.

Comparison of what is anti-social behaviour and what is not anti-social behaviour
ASB Not ASB
Threats Babies crying
Harassment Children playing
Hate crime Normal household living noise
Repeated late-night parties One-off bangs
Criminal damage/activity Walking across floors
Persistent nuisance Doors closing
Drug dealing DIY during reasonable hours
Intimidation Lawful parking disputes
Deliberate noise nuisance Cooking smells
Illegal drug use Tobacco, cigarette or medical cannabis smells
Littering and fly-tipping Vaping smells
Animals behaving aggressively or being dangerously out of control Pet-related smells
Setting fires or misusing fireworks Cleaning product smells
Vandalism and misuse of communal shared areas General living sounds

Everyone has the right to feel safe in their home and community.

We do not tolerate hate crime or harassment of any kind.

This includes abuse or harassment because of someone’s:

  • race
  • religion
  • sexual orientation
  • gender identity
  • disability

What is hate crime or harassment?

Hate crime and harassment can include:

  • verbal abuse or threats
  • physical assault
  • damage to your home or belongings
  • abuse online
  • behaviour intended to frighten, intimidate or humiliate you because of who you are

You do not need to prove that the incident was motivated by hostility or prejudice. If you or someone who witnessed it believes that it was, we will take your report seriously.

How we will support you

When you report hate crime or harassment to us, we will:

  • respond within one working day
  • give you a named officer who will keep you regularly updated
  • treat your report confidentially and sensitively
  • arrange priority repairs and consider extra security if your home has been damaged
  • work with the police and other organisations to take appropriate action

Report hate crime or harassment

You can report a concern to us:

  • by phone
  • through our website
  • by email
  • in person

You can report it anonymously if you prefer.

You can also report something you have witnessed or a concern about someone else.

Get help in an emergency

If a crime is happening now or someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

For a non-emergency, contact the police by calling 101.

Fireworks and bonfires can be enjoyable, but they can also cause noise, disturbance and safety concerns for people, pets and local communities.

To help everyone stay safe:

  • only buy fireworks from a licensed seller
  • check that fireworks carry the UKCA or CE safety mark
  • follow the instructions and safety distances on the packaging
  • never approach a firework after it has been lit
  • keep children and pets indoors and away from fireworks
  • never set off fireworks near homes, vehicles or communal areas
  • place used fireworks in a metal container of water once they are completely cool
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is at an organised display run by trained professionals.

Repeatedly setting off fireworks in a way that causes alarm, harassment or distress may be treated as anti-social behaviour.

Dangerous or illegal use of fireworks should be reported to the police.

If there is an immediate danger to people or property, call 999. In a non-emergency, contact the police on 101.

 

Halloween should be enjoyable for everyone. Please be considerate of neighbours, particularly people who may feel vulnerable or who do not want visitors at their door.

If children are going trick-or-treating:

  • stay on well-lit streets and use familiar routes
  • make sure younger children are accompanied by an adult or trusted older person
  • agree a time for older children to return home
  • do not enter anyone’s home
  • only visit homes where people appear happy to take part
  • do not repeatedly knock if nobody answers
  • avoid causing damage, excessive noise or disturbance
  • use reflective tape, bright clothing or a torch so children can be seen

Please respect signs asking trick-or-treaters not to call. Looking out for one another helps Halloween remain safe and welcoming for the whole community.

Persistent knocking, threatening behaviour, harassment, criminal damage and deliberately frightening residents are not acceptable.

If there is an immediate risk or a crime is taking place, call 999. For a non-emergency, contact the police on 101.

 

As evenings get lighter and people spend more time outdoors, please help keep your home and neighbourhood safe.

  • Lock doors and windows, even when you are at home or in the garden.
  • Secure sheds, garages and outbuildings.
  • Keep paths, entrances and shared areas clear.
  • Keep valuables, tools and bikes out of sight.
  • Keep noise down, especially later in the evening.
  • Look out for neighbours who may need extra help.

Children playing outside

Children and young people may stay outside later during lighter evenings and school holidays. Please ask your children to play away from parking areas, bin stores and neighbours’ gardens. Parents and carers should agree a time for them to come home and make sure they know how to get help.

Drinking outdoors

Drinking in streets or shared areas can disturb neighbours and may break tenancy conditions. Please keep these spaces free from litter, bottles and broken glass.

Barbecues

Never leave a barbecue unattended and make sure it is fully out before disposing of ashes.

Barbecues and open flames are restricted on balconies and in communal gardens because of the fire risk.

Fire smoke can disturb neighbours, so please be considerate when lighting Barbecues and never burn household rubbish.

Report a concern

Report broken lighting or other repairs through the MyBernicia portal.

If you believe a crime is taking place or somebody is in immediate danger, call 999.

For a non-emergency, contact the police on 101.

As the nights draw in, a few simple steps can help keep homes and neighbourhoods safe.

You can:

  • Lock doors and windows, even when you are at home or in the garden.
  • Leave a light on or use a timer when you go out.
  • Keep paths, entrances and shared areas clear.
  • Report broken communal lighting to us.
  • Avoid leaving valuables where they can be seen.
  • Stay alert when walking after dark and use well-lit routes where possible.
  • Look out for neighbours who may need extra help.

Please do not leave personal belongings, rubbish or other items in communal entrances or corridors. These can block escape routes and create a fire risk.

Reporting a concern

Report repairs affecting a Bernicia home or communal area, such as broken lighting or damaged doors, through the
MyBernicia portal.

If you believe a crime is taking place or somebody is in immediate danger, call 999.

For a non-emergency, contact the police on 101.

Dangerous or inconsiderate use of vehicles can cause noise, damage and distress in our communities. This includes:

  • speeding, racing or performing stunts
  • riding on pavements, footpaths or communal land
  • repeatedly revving engines or playing loud music
  • using a vehicle to threaten or intimidate others
  • causing damage to grass, paths or property

This can involve cars, motorbikes, off-road bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters.

Privately owned e-scooters cannot legally be used in public places.

Some high-powered e-bikes are classed as motor vehicles and must be registered, taxed and insured.

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

Otherwise, report the incident to the police online or by calling 101.

You can also report ongoing anti-social behaviour to us.

When reporting it, tell us what happened, where and when. Include a description of the vehicle and rider if you can do so safely.

Do not approach the rider or put yourself at risk.

You can give information about crime to Crimestoppers 100% anonymously.

Call 0800 555 111 or use the secure anonymous online form. You will not be asked for your name.

In an emergency, or if a crime is happening now, call 999.

If you have been a victim of crime, report it directly to the police by calling 101 or using the police’s online reporting service.

Crimestoppers is for passing on information about crime, rather than reporting an emergency or seeking support as a victim.

Some noise is part of everyday living and is not normally classed as anti-social behaviour.

This can include:

  • people walking around their home
  • doors opening and closing
  • toilets flushing
  • people talking
  • televisions at a reasonable volume
  • children playing
  • babies crying
  • washing machines, vacuum cleaners or other appliances being used
  • people arriving home from work or school

We understand that some everyday noise can still be frustrating, especially in flats or shared buildings. However, we would not usually treat normal household noise as anti-social behaviour unless it is excessive, repeated or happening at unreasonable times.

One-off noise is not usually classed as anti-social behaviour.

This can include:

  • a single loud bang
  • furniture being moved
  • occasional DIY
  • a celebration or family gathering
  • accidental noise

We would not usually treat a one-off incident as anti-social behaviour unless it involves violence, threats, criminal activity or an immediate risk to someone’s safety.

Not every neighbour disagreement is anti-social behaviour.

People live in different ways, and this can sometimes lead to frustration or disagreement. This can include:

  • parking disagreements
  • personality clashes
  • cooking smells
  • occasional visitors
  • different routines or lifestyles

We would not usually treat these issues as anti-social behaviour unless they become persistent, targeted, threatening or seriously affect someone’s safety or wellbeing.

Use this simple decision tree to help decide what to do next.

Question one

Is someone in immediate danger?
Yes
Call 999.
No
Go to the next question.

Question two

Is it persistent, deliberate or causing harassment, alarm or distress?
Yes
Report ASB.
No
Go to the next question.

Question three

Is it everyday household living noise?
Yes
It is unlikely to be ASB. Try speaking with your neighbour or consider mediation.
Still unsure?
Contact us for advice before making a report.

You can report anti-social behaviour to us in the way that works best for you.

Online form

You can report anti-social behaviour using our online form.

This helps us collect the information we need so we can understand what has happened and decide what action may be needed.

Telephone

You can call us on 0344 800 3800

If your report is urgent, please call us rather than using the online form or email.

Email

You can email us at contact@bernicia.com

Please include as much detail as you can so we can understand your concerns and respond appropriately.

In person

You can visit a Bernicia office during opening hours to report anti-social behaviour in person.

A member of our team will listen to your concerns and help you provide the information we need.

Please bring any useful details or evidence with you, if you have them.

Out-of-hours emergencies

Our emergency phone line is available outside normal working hours.

If there is an immediate risk to someone’s safety, a crime is happening now, or someone is in danger, call 999.

For non-emergency police matters, you can call 101.

What information should I provide?

When you report anti-social behaviour, please give us as much information as possible.

This may include:

  • what happened
  • when it happened
  • where it happened
  • who was involved, if known
  • how often it has happened
  • how it has affected you or your household
  • any evidence, such as photos or videos, if it is safe to collect them
  • diary sheets or a record of incidents
  • any police crime reference numbers

Please do not put yourself at risk to collect evidence.

The more information you provide, the easier it is for us to understand the issue and decide what support or action may be appropriate.

When you report anti-social behaviour, we will look at what has happened, the risk involved and the impact it is having on you or your household.

Step one: We acknowledge your report

We will let you know that we have received your report and explain what happens next.

Step two: We assess the risk

We will look at how serious the situation is, whether anyone is at immediate risk and what support may be needed.

Step three: We agree an action plan with you

We will speak with you about your concerns and agree what action we can take. This may include what you need to do, such as keeping diary sheets or sharing evidence.

Step four: We investigate

We will review the information provided and may speak to other people involved. This could include neighbours, witnesses, partner agencies or the police, where appropriate.

Step five: We keep you updated

We will keep you updated as your case progresses. We will also explain what information we can share with you.

Step six: We decide what action can be taken

We will decide what action is appropriate based on the evidence, the type of behaviour reported and the impact it is having.

This could include support, warnings, working with partner agencies or legal action in more serious cases.

Some reports may not result in enforcement action. This may be because the behaviour reported is not classed as anti-social behaviour, or because there is not enough evidence for us to take further action.

We take reports of anti-social behaviour seriously and focus on the impact it is having on the person(s) affected.

Where possible, we will try to resolve issues early. This may include advice, support, mediation or working with the people involved to stop the behaviour before it gets worse.

We may also work with other organisations, such as the police, local authorities and support services, where this is needed.

Our approach may include:

  • early intervention to stop issues from escalating
  • mediation, where it is safe and appropriate
  • support for people affected by anti-social behaviour
  • working with the police and local authorities
  • gathering evidence and agreeing action plans
  • taking legal action where it is appropriate and there is enough evidence

We will always consider the risk, the evidence available and the impact on the person reporting the issue before deciding what action can be taken.

Evidence helps us understand what has happened, how often it has happened and the impact it is having.

It can also help us decide what action may be appropriate. In some cases, we may not be able to take enforcement action without enough evidence.

We may ask you to provide:

  • an incident diary
  • CCTV footage
  • photographs
  • videos
  • witness statements
  • professional witness evidence
  • police incident or crime reference numbers

Please only collect evidence if it is safe to do so. Do not put yourself or anyone else at risk.

We treat reports of anti-social behaviour confidentially.

We will not tell the person being reported who made the report, unless we are required to do so by law or you give us permission.

We will only share information where it is needed to investigate the report, work with other organisations or help keep people safe.

We are committed to being open about how we manage anti-social behaviour.

We publish information to help residents understand how the service is performing and where improvements are being made.

Our operational performance reports show how we are delivering key services throughout the year. We publish these results so customers can see how we are performing, understand where improvements are needed and follow the progress we are making.

To find out more please visit our Performance Reports page.

You can download our policies, guidance and service documents to find out more about how we manage anti-social behaviour and related concerns.

The documents and links below explain how we manage anti-social behaviour, the standards residents can expect and where to find further support.

We will keep these documents under review so residents can access clear and up-to-date information about how we manage anti-social behaviour.

If you have reported anti-social behaviour but feel that the problem has not been properly dealt with, you may be able to ask for an ASB Case Review.

An ASB Case Review is a formal process where organisations such as the police, council and housing provider work together to look again at your reports and the action that has been taken.

We do not manage the review process, but we can help you find the right organisation and support you through the process.

The organisation responsible for your review will depend on where you live. You can apply through the relevant website:

Alternatively, contact us and we will help you find the right team.

Anti-social behaviour can affect people in different ways. You may need practical advice, emotional support, help from the police, support from your local council or specialist help from another organisation.

The links below can help you find the right support.

Victim support

If anti-social behaviour is affecting your wellbeing, safety or quality of life, support is available.

Police

You should contact the police if a crime has happened, someone is at risk, or the behaviour involves threats, violence, harassment, drug activity or criminal damage.

Call 999 if there is an immediate risk to safety or a crime is happening now.

Call 101 for non-emergency police matters.

Noise and environmental health

Some noise issues are dealt with by your local council’s Environmental Health team, especially where the noise may be a statutory nuisance.

This can include regular loud music, barking dogs, alarms, commercial noise or other noise that seriously affects the use and enjoyment of your home.

The Noise App

The Noise App is a free app that you can use to record noise while it is happening and send the recordings directly to us. It helps us understand the type of noise, when it happens and how it affects you.

Download The Noise App for free, create an account and enter Bernicia code 130.

Record the noise while it is happening and tell us where it is coming from, how long it lasted and how it affected you. Your recordings will be sent directly to us.

Record from a safe place and do not approach anyone. Call 999 in an emergency or 101 for non-emergency police matters.

Local council noise pages include:

Local authorities across North East England

Mediation services

Mediation can sometimes help when there is a neighbour dispute, communication has broken down, or the issue is not suitable for enforcement action.

Mediation is not used where there is a risk of harm, violence, harassment or abuse.

Domestic abuse support

Domestic abuse is not anti-social behaviour. It is abuse and should be treated seriously.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.

Local support includes:

Drug and alcohol support

Free and confidential support is available if you are concerned about your own drug or alcohol use, or someone else’s.

Mental health support

Anti-social behaviour can have a serious impact on mental health and wellbeing. Support is available if you are struggling.

Report anti-social behaviour

You can report antisocial behaviour by filling in the form below, or by telling someone from our team at Bernicia. You can also:

It’s important to note that if you are in immediate danger, you should contact emergency services by dialling 999.

Report anti-social behaviour

Use our online form to report anti-social behaviour to Bernicia. Tell us what has happened, where it took place and who was involved so we can review your concerns and explain what happens next.

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Find information and support to help you feel safe at home and in your neighbourhood, including advice about antisocial behaviour, domestic abuse, safeguarding and preventing abuse.

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