Reporting antisocial behaviour

The term describes a wide range of unacceptable behaviours that can affect the quality of life of people living, visiting or working in Oldham, including:

• Actual violence against people or property
• Repeated incidents of verbal abuse or behaviour
• Harassment, intimidation or threatening behaviour
• Domestic violence and abuse
• Criminal behaviour or activity that affects our housing management function
• Vandalism and criminal damage to property
• Repeated prolonged high-level noise

Some incidents such as fly-tipping, property condition, graffiti and environmental hazards will be classed as tenancy and/or neighbourhood management and will be dealt with initially outside this policy by the Neighbourhood Co-ordinator.

We will not consider behaviour which results from different lifestyles, or which may not be considered unreasonable by most people as antisocial behaviour. However, if it is excessive or is having a harmful effect on a person then we may assess the matter further.

Such behaviour can include:

• Household noise due to everyday living e.g., a washing machine being used at a reasonable time
• One off parties/noise
• Cooking odours or smells
• Children playing
• People being rude or disagreeable including on social media
• Car parking disputes
• Minor disagreements between neighbours
• DIY in reasonable hours
• Illegal drug use where there is no associated antisocial behaviour. You are advised to report this to Greater Manchester Police and tenancy enforcement action may be taken.

We deal with antisocial behaviour by:

• Being clear about what we can and cannot do
• Acting quickly when we know about a problem
• Listening to everyone involved
• Keeping in touch to let you know what is happening

We carry out checks about the people who apply for our homes. This includes asking for references from the previous landlord, if they have one.

• If we can help you and the incident involves violence or threats of violence, we will give it a Category 1 status and agree an action plan with you within 1 working day.
• Other incidents such as noise, abuse and damage may be given a Category 2 status and we will agree an action plan with you within 5 working days.

• We will act quickly to find out what has happened and get the facts.
• We will then decide what we need to do.
• We will keep in touch with you, letting you know our action plan.
• Our action plan will include:
  • What you can do
  • If we can act, what we will do, when and how long things take, and how often we will contact you.

A hate incident is any incident that you or someone else believes is motivated by prejudice or hate.

A hate crime is when this incident is also a criminal offence.

Hate can be based on things like your race, religion, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, age or any part of who you are.

We will:

• Respond to your report within 1 working day.
• Listen to you and take a victim-centred approach.
• Keep what you tell us private and offer anonymity if you need it.
• Check for any previous issues to keep you safer.
• Agree an action plan with you and keep you updated.

Some people may need extra support. This could be due to health conditions, disability, domestic abuse, mental health concerns or other challenges.

We will record this safely and make reasonable adjustments to support you, such as extra time, alternative formats, or working with advocates.

If we think you are at risk of harm, we may:

• Contact safeguarding teams
• Refer to MASH
• Contact emergency services
• Offer domestic abuse support and safe contact options