We take a victim-centred approach to tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB), believing no one should suffer from it in our borough. Our top priority is the safety of everyone who lives, works or visits Hammersmith & Fulham.
Definition of ASB
We use the definition of ASB provided by the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, as follows:
- conduct that has caused, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to any person
- conduct capable of causing nuisance or annoyance to a person in relation to that person's occupation of residential premises, or
- conduct capable of causing housing-related nuisance or annoyance to any person.
Here is a list of examples of ASB provided by the Police: What is anti-social behaviour? | Metropolitan Police
Crime and criminal behaviour
In many instances, reports of anti-social behaviour may also constitute a crime. Where the behaviour being reported constitutes a crime, the victim or complainant will be encouraged to report the matter to police in the first instance and where an emergency response is required.
We investigate reports of antisocial behaviour (ASB) when:
- the person affected or causing the behaviour lives in the borough
- the incident occurs in or near a residential property in the borough, regardless of ownership
- it takes place in a public or publicly accessible space within the borough.
Here are some examples of ASB:
Fly-tipping, vandalism (e.g., graffiti, property damage), public drunkenness, verbal abuse or threats, repeatedly allowing pets to cause disturbances, and noise that is excessive, targeted, or at unreasonable hours.
Some issues – like noise from a washing machine during the day or cooking smells – may feel annoying or disruptive but are not considered ASB if there's no intent to cause alarm or distress. We will discuss all reports with the person raising the concern and respond within our target times. If a report doesn't meet the ASB definition, we'll explain why and explore other options - such as advice, signposting, or mediation – to support good neighbour relations.
Noise nuisance
Noise nuisance can be considered ASB, but it will not always be. Things like repeated late-night music or shouting, especially if it is targeted at a neighbour, will be treated as ASB.
Things like footsteps, walking, or doors closing, or children playing during reasonable hours, will not be treated as ASB. When we receive a complaint about this, we will try to help neighbours reach an agreement. We will be sensitive to how different lifestyles, outlooks and personalities can view day-to-day noise. We will soon be publishing a Good Neighbour (Noise Management) policy, where this will be explained further.
Prevention
We aim to prevent ASB from occurring by enhancing safety and security through the design of new estates and when we deliver programmes of improvement to our existing estates.
Our closed-circuit television (CCTV) service is designed to make Hammersmith and Fulham a safer place to live, work and visit. Our operators work in partnership with the local police, community and businesses to help discourage ASB, and to help tackle it where it does occur.
Our Law Enforcement Team patrol the borough, providing a visible presence to reassure residents, act as a deterrent to ASB, and to act as professional witnesses where possible if ASB is occurring.
We will work with other council services to ensure young people can access activities and support which aim to divert them away from crime and ASB.