Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Policy

WPC is committed to ensuring that all residents can live peacefully in their homes and
enjoy a safe, respectful, and harmonious community. Anti-social behaviour (ASB) can
seriously impact residents’ wellbeing and the quality of life on the estate.
This policy sets out how WPC prevents, manages, investigates and responds to ASB
reports, in line with recognised national expectations for social landlords.

ASB includes behaviour that causes — or is likely to cause — nuisance, annoyance,
harassment, alarm or distress to others. This aligns with legal and housing sector
definitions of ASB.

Examples of ASB:
(Depending on frequency, severity, context and impact)

• Persistent pet nuisance (excessive barking, fouling)
• Persistent loud noise, shouting, or disruptions
• Threatening, abusive or intimidating behaviour
• Vandalism, graffiti, or property damage
• Drug use, dealing or related nuisance
• Fly tipping or deliberate waste mismanagement
• Harassment, verbal abuse or hate-related behaviour
• Dangerous or reckless behaviour on estate pathways or near buildings

Not typically ASB:
(Unless persistent, deliberate or harmful)

• Occasional parties
• Day-to-day household noise (washing machines, footsteps)
• Children playing

These examples reflect national guidance, noting that some behaviours, while
annoying, are not legally ASB unless persistent or impactful.

Wimbledon Park Co-operative will:

• Respond promptly and proportionately to ASB reports
• Treat all parties fairly, respectfully and without discrimination
• Focus on early intervention wherever appropriate
• Prioritise safety, wellbeing and prevention of harm
• Keep residents informed throughout case handling
• Work with partners such as Wandsworth Council, Police, support agencies and
  community groups when needed (consistent with Ombudsman expectations).

Residents (including leaseholders, tenants, household members and visitors) must:

• Behave in a way that does not cause nuisance or distress to others
• Ensure children, guests and pets behave considerately
• Report ASB promptly and honestly
• Cooperate with WPC investigations where needed

Residents can report ASB by:

• Phone: 020 8780 9980
• Email: [email protected]
• In person: WPC Estate Office, 2 Fernwood, Albert Drive, SW19 6LR

If a situation involves immediate danger or criminal activity, residents should contact:

• 999 (emergency)
• 101 (non-emergency police)

When a report is received, WPC will:

1. Acknowledge the report within a reasonable timeframe
2. Assess risk (e.g., threat of harm, vulnerability, criminality)
3. Determine severity and classify as:
   o High priority (threats, violence, hate incidents, serious drug activity)
   o Medium priority (ongoing nuisance, persistent noise, repeated conflict)
   o Low priority (minor issues, misunderstandings, occasional disturbances)
4. Agree an action plan with the reporting resident and outline next steps
5. Record and log the case in accordance with WPC’s data policies

These obligations follow sector expectations on structured ASB case handling.

Depending on the nature of the ASB, WPC may take one or more of the following
actions:
a) Early and Informal Actions

• Advice and guidance to tenants
• Good-neighbour discussions
• Mediation or facilitated conversation
• Warning letters

This aligns with guidance encouraging early, informal resolution where safe and
appropriate.

b) Formal Actions
Where informal steps fail or the behaviour is serious:

• Acceptable Behaviour Agreement (ABA)
• Referral to Wandsworth Council
• Joint working with the Police
• Estate-level enforcement or tenancy-related action (where permitted by law)
  

c) Safeguarding and Support
WPC may signpost or refer vulnerable individuals (victims or perpetrators) to:

• Support agencies
• Mental health or social services
• Community Safety Teams

As emphasised in national ASB policy guidance, complex ASB often requires
multi-agency support.

WPC may not be able to take direct enforcement action when:

• The behaviour falls outside WPC’s jurisdiction
• The alleged perpetrator is not a resident or visitor connected to the estate
• The matter is primarily a police or Council responsibility

In these cases, WPC will:

• Provide guidance
• Offer support
• Signpost to the appropriate authority

This is consistent with local authority and national ASB procedures.

WPC will treat all reports confidentially but may share information with:

• Police
• Wandsworth Borough Council
• Other agencies
  …where necessary for safety, crime prevention, or lawful ASB management.

This aligns with sector expectations regarding safe information sharing.

WPC applies this policy fairly, with reasonable adjustments for residents who need
additional support. This reflects best practice in ASB policies, emphasising inclusivity
and tailored support.

An ASB case may be closed when:

• The behaviour has ceased or reduced to an acceptable level
• The resident agrees no further action is needed
• WPC has exhausted all reasonable steps
• The issue is outside WPC’s remit and referred to the proper authority

Closure does not prevent reopening if behaviour resumes.

WPC will monitor ASB trends, resident feedback, response times, and case outcomes
to continuously improve the service — a requirement highlighted by the Housing
Ombudsman for good practice.