Anti-social behaviour

What is anti-social behaviour (ASB)?

The 1998 Crime and Disorder Act defines anti-social behaviour as behaviour which causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more people who are not in the same household as the perpetrator.

Defining anti-social behaviour is more difficult. Among the forms it can take are (not in any order of priority):

  • Graffiti - which can on its own make even the tidiest urban spaces look squalid
  • Abusive and intimidating language, often directed at minorities
  • Fouling the street with litter
  • Drunken behaviour
  • Dealing drugs, and related problems

For measurement and target setting/monitoring purposes most local areas have had to agree a definition. The term anti-social behaviour locally also covers violence, specifically common assaults and wounding.

Rowdy and inconsiderate behaviour in town centres

Controlled Drinking Zones

In order to alleviate alcohol-related difficult behaviour in the town centres,the Community Safety Partnership makes use of a legal power to designate Controlled Drinking Zones. In the Zones, Police can ask people to stop drinking or confiscate alcohol. The document below explains more about the Controlled Drinking Zones and includes a list of streets affected in Richmond and Twickenham.

Controlled Drinking Zones in Richmond and Twickenham(pdf, 434KB)

As necessary, the Partnership will also designate the town centres as Dispersal Areas, whereby people can be asked to leave an area and not return within 24 hours.

ASB Minimum Standards

Richmond is the safest borough in London. However that doesn’t mean that there aren’t occasional problems with crime and anti-social behaviour. Minimum Standards is our way of telling you what we will do if you happen to be experiencing anti-social behaviour.

Community Safety Team
Civic Centre, 3rd Floor
44 York Street
Twickenham. TW1 3BZ

Telephone: 020 8891 7777
Email: community.safety@richmond.gov.uk

Because of the nature of recording allegations of anti-social behaviour, it is helpful when concerns are received by email or by post, rather than by telephone. This helps to keep your information concise and accurate and helps us provide you with a quick response.

You may also wish to contact your local Police Safer Neighbourhood Team.

Concerns about excessive noise should be addressed to the Neighbour Nuisance Officer. Telephone on 020 8891 7737 between 9am to 5.15pm, Monday to Thursday and 9am to 5pm, Friday.

For complaints about noisy commercial neighbours, eg problems from pubs and clubs, you should contact the Commercial Team 020 8891-7994.

The Council also operates a Weekend Noise Service on Friday and Saturday nights from 10pm to 3am, which you can contact by phoning 07944 038 495

The Community Safety team’s phone and mailbox are monitored during normal office hours. For assistance at other times, see the CSP A-Z of Frequently Asked Questions.(pdf, 46KB)

Remember, in an emergency always dial 999.