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There is no single definition of antisocial behaviour. Dog nuisance, noise disruption, vandalism and harassment are some examples. However, it is usually accepted that any antisocial behaviour “unreasonably interferes with another person’s right to peaceful enjoyment of the home, as well as the surrounding area”.
Examples of antisocial behaviour
Drawing the line between acceptable and unacceptable behaviour is not always as easy as it seems. Generally speaking, any behaviour that inflicts problems and disruption on individual families or wider communities constitutes unacceptable behaviour and, in some cases, antisocial activity.
Examples of antisocial behaviour include:
- intimidation through threats or actual violence,
- harassment, including racial harassment,
- verbal abuse,
- homophobic behaviour,
- systematic bullying of children,
- vandalism, graffiti and fly-posting,
- people dealing and buying drugs on the street,
- people dumping rubbish and abandoning cars,
- antisocial drinking.
To be antisocial, the behaviour is persistent and upsets the community.
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What can I do about it?
If you want to take action about antisocial behaviour you should establish who is responsible for the behaviour. It is also important to establish if the behaviour is deliberate or unintentional.
To deal with antisocial behaviour you can do one or more of the following:
- try to negotiate with the other person,
- get the other person's landlord or the council to apply for an antisocial behaviour order,
- get the other person's landlord to apply for an injunction,
- speak to a solicitor for advice about legal options,
- get the police to take action.
You may want to have the antisocial behaviour stopped or to get compensation for any damage, loss or injury suffered. You can also attempt to get an apology, have the people responsible for the behaviour moved or evicted, or accept rehousing elsewhere.
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Who can help resolve antisocial behaviour?
Different organisations work to resolve antisocial behaviour. The police, Environmental Health Departments in local councils, Housing Executive or housing associations, landlords, community groups and residents all have roles to play in reporting and addressing antisocial behaviour.
It is important to know which organisation is responsible for resolving specific instances of antisocial behaviour.
The Housing Executive addresses antisocial behaviour when such activities breach tenancy terms or cause nuisance to a social tenant in a Housing Executive property. The Housing Executive may help you if you have problems with:
- dogs fouling, straying or attacking,
- dog nuisance in a Housing Executive property,
- noisy disruptive tenants,
- neglected dwelling or garden,
- deliberate damage to a Housing Executive property,
- illegal structures, i.e. sheds,
- use of premises for businesses,
- use of premises for illegal activity.
The Housing Executive has a legal duty to give housing advice and information on preventing homelessness to anyone who asks in Northern Ireland.
 The Environmental Health Department of your council is responsible for environmental and public health problems such as:
- littering,
- abandoned vehicles,
- vermin,
- dumping waste,
- noise such as music,
- problems with private landlords,
- housing conditions that conflict with public health,
- dog control.
The Police (PSNI) are responsible for dealing with antisocial behaviour that is criminal activity, such as:
- vandalism,
- loitering,
- public drinking disturbances,
- harassment,
- intimidation,
- domestic violence.
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