Anti-social behaviour
Anti-social behaviour is behaviour by a person which causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons not of the same household. This can include:
- nuisance, rowdy or inconsiderate neighbours
- littering or dumping rubbish
- shouting or noisy behaviour in places where this might be annoying or upsetting
- using rude, abusive or insulting language
- threatening behaviour and harassment
- vandalism, criminal damage and graffiti
- noise nuisance
- youth-related disorder in public spaces
- vehicle nuisance
- animal nuisance
- drug misuse / dealing
Anti-social behaviour is not:
- parking (including badly parked vehicles)
- children playing
- neighbours doing DIY or housework (at reasonable times of the day)
- groups of young people in the street or in parks, unless they are being rowdy, abusive, causing damage or committing other crimes
- noise caused by everyday living
Neighbour nuisance
If you are experiencing neighbour nuisance problems, the first step is to talk to your neighbour. If you feel unable to do this then you should report the problem to the relevant agency. You will then receive advice and support whilst the matter is investigated and you will be advised what action can be taken to help you. You may need to provide information and evidence to support your complaints.
Noise nuisance
One of the most common issues problems experienced by residents is noise nuisance. We all make noise in some way whether it be vacuuming or carrying out DIY in our home however the noise we make can affect people around us. Someone may not think they are being noisy, but what may not seem noisy to one person can greatly distress someone else, especially if this is during quiet times such as through the night. Excessive noise can cause sleepless nights, irritation and stress and can often lead to conflict with neighbours and communities.
Our approach
Gateshead Council's Community Safety Team is responsible for producing a multi-agency Anti-social Behaviour Strategy. This outlines the approach that we take to tackle anti-social behaviour in Gateshead and how we work with our partner agencies to ensure that the measures are fair and effective and provide the most appropriate form of support to victims.
ASB, Crime and Policing Act 2014
There are a number of different tools and powers that can be used by the Council and its partners to tackle ASB in your neighbourhood. These tools and powers have changed significantly following the introduction of the ASB, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Local Authorities and Police have now been given more flexible tools to tackle low level crime and anti-social behaviour. The reforms are designed to ensure that professionals have effective powers that are easy to use and provide better protection for vulnerable victims and communities and act as a real deterrent to perpetrators.
Visit the Home Office website (opens new window) for an outline of the ASB, Crime and Policing Act.
How can I report anti-social behaviour?
Northumbria Police
If you feel that somebody's life is in danger or a crime is taking place, phone 999.
To report all other crimes or incidents, or for general information and advice, phone 101 or make an online report (opens new window).
Northumbria Connected
Northumbria Connected (opens new window) allows residents to share their priorities, concerns and views directly with Northumbria Police and receive updates on issues going on in their area.
Gateshead Council housing
If you live in council housing:
- Report anti-social behaviour on 0191 433 5353 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
- If you need specialist advice, contact the Neighbourhood Relations Team on 0191 433 5327 or email nrt@gateshead.gov.uk
If you live in a privately rented property or you're a homeowner:
- Call 0191 433 2350
- Email privatesectorhousingcivic@gateshead.gov.uk
You can also report fly tipping to the council.
Reports can be made anonymously and in complete confidence.
Making your report
To help us deal with your report quicker, please provide as much information as you can, including if possible:
- what happened, giving a description of the incident/issue
- where it happened, address, location
- when it happened, time and date
- who was responsible, their name & address, a description of the individuals
- why it happened, were you targeted, does it affect the community
- how it affected you
Citizens Advice
For impartial advice, contact Citizens Advice Gateshead on 0344 245 1288 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
ASB Case Review
If you have reported anti-social behaviour to us three times or more within the last six months, and you feel that no action has been undertaken, then you could ask for a case review using the ASB Case Review process.