What is anti-social behaviour (ASB)?
Anti-social behaviour (ASB) refers to actions that cause harassment, alarm, or distress to others.
Noise
We all experience noise differently. Some sounds are part of everyday life, but when noise becomes frequent or disruptive, it can start to impact your wellbeing.
Common issues
- Loud music or shouting
- DIY or household work during unsociable hours
- Persistent banging or noise from pets
What you can do
- Start with a friendly chat – Most neighbours aren’t aware they’re causing a problem. A calm conversation often helps.
- Try mediation – If talking hasn’t helped, we can offer mediation to help you both reach an agreement. For more information on mediation services in your local area please see Mediation Surrey Community Mediation or West Sussex Mediation Service.
- Contact your local council’s Environmental Health team — they have the power to investigate persistent noise issues.
- Still having issues? – Contact us via phone, email, in writing or by completing a form on MyRaven. Contact us details can be found here.
We’ve put together two leaflets relating to neighbourhood noise, which we hope are useful:
Neighbourhood Noise – what to do when you’re affected by noise
Neighbourhood Noise – what to do when a complaint has been made about you
Shouting and arguing
If you’re concerned that a neighbour may be experiencing domestic abuse, it’s important not to stay silent. We all have a role to play in keeping our communities safe.
What you can do
- Learn more about domestic abuse — understanding the signs can help you recognise when someone might need support. You can find out more here.
- Contact us — we’ll listen, advise you, and take appropriate steps to help.
- Reach out to your local safeguarding team via social services — especially if children or vulnerable adults may be at risk.
- Call the police on 999 if someone is in immediate danger, or 101 for non-emergencies.
- You don’t need to have all the answers — just showing that you care and raising a concern can make a big difference. All concerns will be handled with sensitivity and in confidence.
Criminal and violent behaviour
Certain behaviours are not just anti-social — they’re illegal.
Please contact the police immediately if you witness
- Arson
- Assault (physical or sexual)
- Drug use or dealing
- Drunk and disorderly conduct
- Gun or knife crime
- Hate crime
- Threats of violence
Once you’ve reported it to the police
- Let us know with any police reference number – contact us
- Use an incident diary if the issue is recurring, download a copy here.
Verbal abuse or threats
Abusive, threatening, or intimidating language can cause serious distress and harm.
Common issues
- Shouting or swearing at neighbours
- Verbal threats or harassment
- Intimidating comments (including discriminatory language)
What you can do
- Do not engage if you feel unsafe — Your safety is the priority.
- If you feel at immediate risk, contact the police on 999.
- Keep a record — Note the dates, times, and what was said in an incident diary – download a copy here.
- Report it to us – Contact us phone, email, in writing or report on MyRaven.
Drug use or dealing
Illegal drug activity is not only harmful — it’s also a serious criminal offence.
Common issues
- Smelling cannabis regularly
- Seeing drugs exchanged
- Frequent suspicious visitors at all hours
What you can do
- Report it to the police – Call 101 (or 999 if it’s active and serious).
- Do not approach anyone involved – Your safety comes first.
- Let us know – Contact us by phone, email, in writing or report on MyRaven. Provide us with the police reference number.
- Use the incident diary to note patterns (dates/times/visitors), download a copy here.
Hate crime or discrimination
Abuse based on race, religion, gender identity, sexuality, or disability is unacceptable and illegal.
Common issues
- Racist or homophobic language
- Discrimination from a neighbour
- Threatening behaviour motivated by prejudice
What you can do
- Report to the police immediately – Hate crime is a criminal offence.
- Let us know – Contact us by phone, email, in writing or report on MyRaven. Provide us with the police reference number. We’ll respond within 1 working day.
- Keep a diary – Record dates, language used, and any witnesses, download a copy here.
Vandalism and property damage
Deliberate damage to buildings, facilities, or personal property is ASB and often a criminal offence.
Common issues
- Graffiti or smashed windows
- Damage to communal doors or bins
- Broken lighting or tampered CCTV
What you can do
- Let us know – Contact us by phone, email, in writing or report on MyRaven. Provide us with the police reference number.
- If criminal damage is suspected, report it to the police.
- Avoid cleaning or fixing it yourself — We may need to inspect it first, or please provide us with photos, you can upload these to your case on MyRaven.
What isn’t considered ASB
While some things might be frustrating, they are generally part of everyday life in a community and are not classed as ASB.
Here are some common examples, with suggestions on how to handle them:
Everyday household noise
- Footsteps
- Doors closing
- Children running or playing indoors
What you can do
- Try soundproofing options (e.g. rugs, door stoppers), and consider talking to your neighbour politely if it’s excessive or at unsociable hours. See the noise section above for a link to download a useful leaflet about neighbourhood noise and links to local mediation services.
Noise from children
- Ball games
- Children Crying
- Laughing, shouting or riding bikes
What you can do
Understand this is part of family life and healthy play. If there’s concern for safety or noise late at night, a friendly conversation with the parents may help. See the noise section above for a link to download a useful leaflet about neighbourhood noise and links to local mediation services.
Occasional gatherings or parties
- BBQs, birthday celebrations, or family events
What you can do
These are normal social activities. If noise carries on late into the night, a polite word with your neighbour the next day is usually the best approach. See the noise section above for a link to download a useful leaflet about neighbourhood noise and links to local mediation services.
However if these gatherings or parities become a regular occurrence then please let us know.
Lifestyle differences or personal habits
- Cooking smells
- Smoking in one’s own home or garden
- Different work/sleep schedules
What you can do
These are part of living in a diverse community. Use extractor fans, keep windows closed during smoking, or talk calmly if habits are affecting you. Find out more about talking to your neighbour and mediation here.
Parking disagreements
- Parking in front of someone else’s home (on public roads)
- Disagreements over unallocated spaces
What you can do
Parking on public roads is generally allowed unless restricted by law. If tensions arise, approach the issue respectfully or seek mediation support if discussions break down. Find out more about talking to your neighbour and mediation here.