Definitions
The Problem of Definition
For the purpose of local authorities and the police applying for an Anti-Social
Behaviour Order, the Crime and Disorder Act, 1998 formally defines anti-social behaviour
as acting:
“in a manner that caused or was likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress
to one or more persons not of the same household as [the defendant].” -1-
Definitions in practice
Public surveys on crime and policing in the United Kingdom show that the public
place a high priority on tackling incidents described variously as anti-social behaviour,
minor disorder or ‘quality of life issues’. -2-
The following types of behaviour, incidents and complaints are examples of these.
Some are criminal, whilst others are sub-criminal. They highlight the fact that
such types of behaviour do not fall into the ambit of solely one agency. This illustrates
the need for Crime & Disorder Partnerships to work constructively, with their local
communities to identify local problems of anti-social behaviour and develop local
strategies to tackle them.
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Figure 1: Categories of anti-social behaviour
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Noise
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Using & selling drugs
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Unkempt Gardens (e.g. those which attract dumping of goods, creating ‘eyesores’)
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Alcohol and solvent abuse
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Criminal behaviour
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Prostitution
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Verbal abuse
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Uncontrolled pets and animals
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Intimidating gatherings of young people in public places
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Harassment (including racist & homophobic incidents)
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Damage to property (including graffiti & vandalism)
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Intimidation
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Nuisance from vehicles (including parking & abandonment)
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Nuisance from business use
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Rubbish dumping and misuse of communal areas
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Riding/cycling on footpaths
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Aggressive begging
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