Anti-social behaviour

What is antisocial behaviour?

Anti-social behaviour can be defined as behaviour that causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm, or distress to one or more person(s) from another household.

Verbal abuse and threatening behaviour
Shouting, swearing, and fighting
Harassment and intimidation
Violence, or threats of violence
Drug use and drug dealing
Excessive noise (e.g. loud music, DIY at unsociable hours, loud parties)
Environmental damage such as fly-tipping, graffiti, and property damage
Animal related ASB (e.g. persistent dog barking, dog fouling)
Vehicle related ASB (e.g. noise from modified exhausts, street racing)

Anti-social behaviour does not include activities such as children playing, neighbours doing DIY at reasonable times of day, groups of young people (unless they are being abusive, causing damage, or committing other crimes), noise caused by everyday living, one-off parties, or general living noise.

Plymouth City Council

Anti-social behaviour can be reported to Plymouth City Council.

If the anti-social behaviour is noise-related, please refer to the "Noise" page of the Plymouth City Council website for further information and to make a direct report to Public Protection.
If the anti-social behaviour is related to environmental damage, please refer to the "Environment and Pollution" page of the Plymouth City Council website for further information and to make a direct report to Public Protection.
For all other types of anti-social behaviour, please refer to the "Report antisocial behaviour" page of the Plymouth City Council website to make a direct report to the Community Safety Team.

Your input in reporting anti-social behaviour helps us investigate and address these issues effectively. Please take your time completing the report and provide as much detail as possible. This includes the location, type of behaviour observed, and individuals involved.

As part of our investigation process, we may share some of your information with relevant departments within Plymouth City Council or with key partners like the Police or NHS to resolve the issues.

Reports are reviewed Monday to Friday. While some issues may take more than 10 working days to resolve, we'll keep you informed of our progress within this timeframe.

Housing Associations

If you are a housing association tenant, or your report is about a housing association tenant, please also report the anti-social behaviour to them.

Police

Crime and some types of anti-social behaviour can also be reported to the police.

WarningAlways call 999 in an emergency.

Non-urgent crime and anti-social behaviour can be reported to the police by calling 101 or via the "Report antisocial behaviour" page of the Devon & Cornwall Police website.

Further information about reporting anti-social behaviour to the police is available via the "Antisocial behaviour" page of the Devon & Cornwall Police website.

Crime Stoppers

Crime and anti-social behaviour can also be reported to Crime Stoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Safeguarding concerns

If the anti-social behaviour being experienced raises concern about the welfare of an adult or child, it is important this is reported. Examples may include suspected domestic abuse, child abuse, modern slavery, cuckooing, or neglect.

WarningIf a person is in immediate danger, always call 999.

If you have concerns about the welfare of an adult, report this to Plymouth City Council by calling 01752 668000 or via the "Report adult abuse, neglect or a safeguarding concern" page of the Plymouth City Council website.

If you are worried about a child or young person or think they’re being abused, even if you’re unsure, call 01752 668000 or email mash@plymouth.gov.uk. Outside of normal working hours call Plymouth Out of Hours Services on 01752 346984. For further information, please refer to the "Report child abuse or neglect" page of the Plymouth City Council website.

Support with antisocial behaviour

Further advice and support for victims of anti-social behaviour in Plymouth can be found via the "Support with anti-social behaviour" page of the Plymouth City Council website.