Vale of Glamorgan Council
Cyngor Bro Morgannwg
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Anti-social Behaviour 

What is Anti-social behaviour?

Anti-social behaviour happens when a person causes or may cause harassment, alarm, or distress to others outside their household. This definition comes from the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 and the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011.

 

There are three main categories based on how many people are affected:

  • Personal anti-social behaviour: Targeting a specific individual or group

  • Nuisance anti-social behaviour: Causing trouble and annoyance to a community

  • Environmental anti-social behaviour: Affecting public spaces or buildings

 

Under these categories, anti-social behaviour breaks down into 13 types:

  • Vehicle abandoned
    Vehicles left behind by owners, not stolen ones. This includes scrap vehicles or those damaged in accidents awaiting recovery.
  • Rowdy or inconsiderate behaviour: 
    General nuisance in public places, like private clubs. It does not cover domestic disputes or public disorder, which should be reported as crimes.
  • Rowdy or nuisance neighbours
     Noisy behaviour or disputes caused by neighbours, such as loud parties or music.
  • Littering or drug paraphernalia
     Fly posting and discarding rubbish or drugs-related items in public areas.
  • Animal problems
     Situations where animals cause a nuisance, like uncontrolled pets or stray dogs.
  • Trespassing
    Entering land or property without permission, from walking through someone’s garden to setting up campsites.
  • Nuisance Calls
     Annoying phone communications, such as silent calls and intrusive marketing. It does not cover offensive behaviour, which should be reported as a crime.
  • Street Drinking
     Unlicensed drinking in public areas, where the behaviour is seen as anti-social.
  • Prostitution-related activity
     Activities like loitering or promoting prostitution. This may involve issues around brothels affecting local residents. ‘Kerb-crawling’ should be reported as a crime.
  • Nuisance noise
     Noise issues that do not involve neighbours.
  • Begging
     Begging in public without a license or encouraging children to do so. Unlicensed ticket sellers near transport hubs may also fall here.
  • Misuse of fireworks
     Inappropriate use, illegal sale, or possession of fireworks.

 

What isn’t anti-social behaviour

  • Noise from children playing

  • Personal differences

  • Family disputes

  • Overgrown gardens

  • Normal living noises like flushing toilets and closing doors

This list isn’t exhaustive. We usually won’t take action in these cases. However, we will acknowledge your complaint and explain why no action can be taken. We may also provide advice on how to address these issues yourself.

 

Please see our advice on dealing with neighbours.

Who to report to?

If you experience anti-social behaviour, you need to report it. We encourage the public to keep a log of incidents, noting times, dates, and names if possible, and to report to the relevant Council Department, like Housing, or the Police.

 

The Partnership has a coordinated four-stage system to tackle anti-social behaviour. The Safer Vale Partnership uses various approaches, showing that high numbers of ASBOs aren't the only solution.

 

To report anti-social behaviour, call the Vale of Glamorgan Council on 01446 700111, or South Wales Police on 101.

 

You can also email: