Actions Taken by SCT

Safer Communities Torbay has a dedicated hotline number to report incidents of ASB. By calling 01803 207900 you can report an incident of ASB, which will then be passed onto the appropriate officer.

All complaints will be investigated, the more information we recieve when the complaint is called in, the easier it is for us to act. Unless we can identify the perpetrator, there is little we can do.

As part of our initial investigations we might do some door knocking to find out more about the issue, check police logs, speak with partner agencies to gather as much information as possible and issue diary sheets to thoses being affected by the behaviour.

We have a range of tools and powers avaliable to us when it comes to tackling ASB. The most effective is warning letters. When we know the perpetrator is we will write to thema to let them know there have been reports of ASB and what the complaints are; we will not tell them who has reported it.

In the majority of cases, warning letters will stop further incidents of ASB. If however, the ASB continues we will use what's called an Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC).

An ABC is an intervention designed to engage the individual in recognising their behaviour and its negative effects on others, in order to stop the ASB. With appropriate support, these can be very effective and support the individual in changing their ways.

Occasionally, both warning letters and ABC's are not enough to get someone to change their behaviour. In these instances we will go to court to obtain an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO). This decision will not be ours alone but the case will be discussed with partner agencies to decide the best way forward (this is usually referred to as a mulit-agency meeting). If the behaviour is such that it is important to protect the community quickly, we may apply for what is called an interim ASBO, whereby an order can be granted before the full hearing.

To successfully obtain an ASBO, we have to present evidence of the ASB; without sufficient evidence the court will not grant the ASBO. Therefore the evidence we gather from teh community is extremely important. This is the reason we issue diary sheets to those being affected. These diary sheets, when completed, provide vital evidence in court of the behaviour. In addition, you may be asked to attend court to give evidence.

Safer Communities Torbay understands that residents may be apprehensive about coming forward to take a stand against ASB so we will support you throughout the process.