ASB is legally defined as conduct:

• that has caused, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to any person
• capable of causing nuisance or annoyance to a person in relation to that person’s occupation of residential premises, or
• capable of causing housing-related nuisance or annoyance to any person.

So, what is a hate crime/incident?

A hate crime/incident can be any criminal or non-criminal act which is perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person’s disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity or perceived disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity. A hate crime/incident could be an act such as graffiti, vandalism to a property, name calling, assault or online abuse using social media.

A victim doesn't have to be a member of the group at which the hostility is targeted. In fact, anyone could be a victim of a hate crime.

The police can only prosecute when the law is broken but can work with Stockport Homes and other partners to try and prevent any escalation and we will work in a supportive manner and approach to seek resolution.

Stockport Homes accepts that many neighbours will naturally have different values or opinions and sometimes this can cause problems. However, not all reports relating to behaviour that impacts on an individual can be deemed ASB.

The following are some examples but not exhaustive of reports that are not ASB:

• noise from children when they’re playing
• family disputes
• babies crying
• smells from cooking/cannabis
• sounds of normal day to day living that we can hear such as opening and closing of doors, going up and down stairs
• one-off parties such as BBQs, birthday or Christmas parties providing they don’t cause an unacceptable disturbance
• clashes of lifestyle, including cultural differences
• minor personal differences
• putting rubbish out on the wrong day
• parking in the wrong bay/area

You can report any ASB-related incident on the ASB page of the website

We will open a case, we will make an action plan with you, that will be updated throughout the duration of the case. You will be provided with contact details for your dedicated officer, and provided with details on how to report further instances.

We will always try to resolve ASB without the need for legal action. We will try things like, having a conversation with the person causing the ASB, this will be followed up in writing. Tenancy warnings may be needed. Community protection notice warnings, to state the behavior that needs to change.

Mediation is a process in which a neutral and independent trained person helps people in dispute work out an agreement. We use an independent mediation service. Mediation can help to resolve disputes involving noise, children, rubbish parking animas and in some harassment cases.

Legal action can often be a lengthy process, this can be due to the level of threshold that needs to be sought. However for threats of violence or harm we can take a course to court within 24 hours. For ongoing ASB cases, it could take upto 6 months to gather the level of evidence required. Be assured that Stockport Homes will support you through the process keeping you up to date.

Once you report ASB you will hear the term “evidence” quite a lot. For us to act against some one we need to have evidence to show that the allegations made to us are true. Therefore, we may ask for video’s, photographs or recordings. However, we would not ask that you put yourself in a situation that could make the situation worse. We can provide CCTV, to your home, and noise monitoring equipment.

No you can remain anonymous, however your statement will be classified as a hear say statement, therefor if the behaviour continues further action would not be able to be taken without a signed statement. Stockport homes will provide support throughout this process.

We appreciate that you may be concerned about a problem starting again. We can assure you that if this does happen, your case officer will start from where the case was closed and will guide you through the process.

Noise nuisance is a common complaint. It can be difficult to manage due to varying tolerance levels and it can be difficult to evidence noise.

If your neighbour is playing loud music, we would encourage that you approach them in the first instance (providing that you feel safe to do so) and ask them to turn the volume down as it is disturbing you in your own home. If the noise continues, we may ask that you complete a diary of dates, times, what happened, how you felt to assist us in building a case. We may feel that we should provide Noise Montitoring equipment into your home. This is a device that records sound as you are hearing it. This system is also helpful if your case goes to court.

We have a duty to investigate if a statutory nuisance exists. If your neighbour is persistently playing music at an excessive level (regardless of the time) then please report this to Stockport homes

We expect there to be some tolerance to noise levels between neighbours, particularly for those living in flats.

Noise such as:

• babies crying
• toilets flushing
• washing machines/tumble dryers
• vacuuming
• dog barking
• children playing
• Doors opening closing
• walking on floorboards

are unlikely to be a breach of tenancy (except in exceptional circumstances).

There are no set times for when music can be played at any particular volume. Noise is measured against reasonableness and the nuisance it causes to others. This can occur at any time of day or night.

Criminal activity can include:

• drug related activities
• assault, including violent or threatening behaviour
• hate crime
• criminal damage
• theft

If you are in immediate need of assistance, or if a crime is in progress, then phone 999. Call 101 to report something to the police that isn’t an emergency, or report online. If you wish to report crime anonymously then you can report through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or report online.

If you make a report to the Police relating to criminal activity in your neighbourhood, please let Stockport Homes know that this has happened along with any incident/crime numbers.

We take criminal behaviour in our properties and on our estates very seriously. If you a member of your household, or a visitor to your address are responsible for criminal behaviour you will be putting your tenancy at risk.

We will assist the police with any investigations into criminal activity at any of our properties. If a person you are responsible for is convicted we may seek legal action to end your tenancy.

ASB Help

Victim support

Crimestoppers

Gov.uk

Useful contact numbers

Age Concern Stockport– 0161 480 1211

Childline – 0800 1111

Crime Stoppers – 0800 555 111

Domestic Violence Hotline – 0808 200 0247 (24 hour)

NSPCC – 0808 800 5000

Parentline Plus – 0808 800 222