Anti Social Behaviour FAQs

In cases of noise nuisance, for example, it is a good idea to approach the person causing the nuisance, if you feel safe to do so, to let them know that their behaviour is causing a problem.  They may not be aware of it.  Try to stay calm and if this doesn’t work, contact your Housing Officer.

In the first instance it will be your Housing Officer.  They will be familiar with the area you live in and the person causing the nuisance may already be known to them.  They will be able to tell you what steps to take.

To report an incident of Anti Social Behaviour you can:

• Complete our online form
• Call us on 01246 217670
• Between 4pm and 8am Monday to Friday and at the weekends, call our Out of Hours service on 08000 121 621
• Email us at contactus@rykneldhomes.org.uk
• Speak to your Housing Officer
• Write to us at: Community Sustainment Team, Rykneld Homes Ltd, 2013 Mill Lane, Wingerworth, Chesterfield S42 6NG

It is reasonable to expect that incidents of ASB would be discussed between the relevant parties in an attempt to resolve the situation prior to our involvement.

There will be times when this is not possible or there is a genuine reason for not being able to approach the alleged perpetrator, such as fear of reprisals and/or if a complaint is very serious or of a sensitive nature.

As part of any report of ASB and the investigation, it is essential that we maintain the confidentiality and trust of the person making the report and/or witnesses involved in the case, if appropriate, without identifying them to the person causing the nuisance. This may prevent further reprisals and possible serious incidents being directed towards them.

We acknowledge that there may be occasions when we are unable to protect their identity due to serious specified incidents such as Safeguarding children/adults. In these circumstances, the person making the report and/or witnesses will be advised of this and offered support, if appropriate.

This depends on the type of complaint.  In cases of serious ASB, we can take action very quickly.  In less serious cases, we will try to resolve an issue at a ‘low level’ in the first instance.  It is important we gather evidence if the ASB continues.  We will keep you up to date of our progress throughout the investigation.

It is important you speak to us so the Community Sustainment Officer dealing with your case can keep a log of incidents.  There are other agencies who can offer support, advice and assistance:

• Police
• Victim Support
• Derbyshire County Council – Community Safety
• North East Derbyshire Community Safety Partnership
• Citizens Advice Bureau
• CrimeStoppers - call 0800 555 111.

We recognise that the people causing ASB may also be vulnerable and/or have a support need that is exacerbating the behaviour. Whilst not an excuse, we understand that leaving any needs unaddressed is likely to prolong the harm to all parties. In addition, helping the perpetrator to address a need can stop the ASB without having to resort to legal action.

We will consider the needs of the perpetrator at various stages throughout a case. We will consider whether we can offer any further support and/or whether a referral should be made to another agency or multi-agency group.

We will complete a proportionality assessment when taking legal action, in order that we are confident our action is a proportionate means to a legitimate aim. This assessment takes into account the needs of the perpetrator. In addition, where we know or believe the perpetrator to have a protected characteristic, we will consider the Equality Act when taking legal action.

When managing cases involving perpetrators with support needs, we adopt a twin-track approach, meaning that enforcement and intervention can be taken at the same time. Our priority is to stop the ASB and harm to complainants/victims. A support need will not stop or delay us from taking the appropriate action. Non-availability of required support and refusal or non-engagement from the perpetrator will also not be allowed to prevent or delay action being taken, where  necessary.

We are committed to addressing complaints fairly and thoroughly. However, we recognise that, on rare occasions, some complaints may be unreasonable or malicious in nature.

These can include persistent complaints without merit, the use of offensive or abusive language, or attempts to misuse the complaints process to harass or intimidate others.

While we encourage feedback and valid concerns, we also have a responsibility to protect our team and community from unfounded or harmful claims. Where a complaint is identified as unreasonable or malicious, it may be subject to review under our Customer Acceptable Behaviour Policy. Appropriate action will be taken to ensure the integrity of our processes and the well-being of all involved.