At Tai Calon, we know that everyone deserves to feel safe in their home and neighbourhood. That’s why tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) remains one of our top priorities, and we’re committed to supporting customers, preventing problems where we can and acting when it’s needed.

Over the past year, we’ve listened carefully to customer feedback, including our STAR Survey, which told us that improving communication around anti-social behaviour was one of the biggest opportunities for us to do better.

In response, we’ve completely refreshed our Anti-Social Behaviour and Hate Crime Policy, making it clearer, easier to understand, and more focused on our customers’ needs.

The updated policy includes:

  • A stronger commitment to supporting victims through a trauma-informed, customer-focused approach.
  • Clear response times, with serious cases responded to within one working day and all other reports acknowledged within five working days.
  • A fair and proportionate approach to enforcement, with eviction always considered a last resort.
  • Stronger partnership working with Gwent Police, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council and other agencies to tackle issues such as domestic abuse, exploitation and safeguarding concerns.
  • A more consistent approach to investigating cases, agreeing on action plans and keeping customers informed throughout.

These improvements are designed to ensure customers know what to expect when they report anti-social behaviour and feel supported every step of the way.

What counts as anti-social behaviour?

Anti-social behaviour can have a significant impact on people’s well-being and quality of life.

Examples include:

  • Vandalism or damage to property
  • Persistent excessive noise
  • Verbal abuse, harassment or intimidation
  • Violence or threats of violence
  • Domestic abuse
  • Hate-related incidents
  • Drug or alcohol-related nuisance
  • Fly tipping or offensive graffiti.
  • Persistent pet nuisance
  • Illegal or immoral use of a property

However, not everything that causes frustration is classed as anti-social behaviour.

Examples that would not normally be considered ASB include:

  • Babies crying
  • Children playing
  • One-off parties or BBQs
  • Everyday household noise
  • Parking disagreements
  • Minor neighbour disputes or unpleasant behaviour

Understanding the difference helps us ensure we focus our resources where they are needed most while supporting customers in resolving lower-level neighbour issues wherever possible.

Working together to resolve issues

Many issues can be resolved through early conversations, advice and support before they become more serious.

For example, if your dog is barking and disturbing your neighbours, talking openly with them, understanding when the barking occurs and seeking advice from a qualified animal behaviourist can often resolve the issue before formal action is needed.

Where problems continue, we’ll investigate thoroughly, work with everyone involved and agree on the most appropriate course of action.

Helping us investigate

Evidence plays an important role in helping us investigate reports.

Customers with an open ASB case can use our ASB App to securely upload:

  • Noise recordings
  • Videos
  • Photographs
  • Diary sheets

Your Housing Officer will invite you to register for the app when appropriate and will explain how to use it. The app allows us to build a clearer picture of what’s happening so we can take the right action.

The existing Noise App is being phased out, and customers currently using it will be contacted directly by their Housing Officer to support the move to the ASB App. Any information already submitted will be safely archived.

We can’t do it alone.

Creating safe communities is something we all have a part to play in.

By reporting concerns early, providing evidence where possible and working together with neighbours and partner organisations, we can help prevent problems from escalating and make our neighbourhoods safer for everyone.

If you need our help dealing with anti-social behaviour, please contact Tai Calon on 0300 303 1717 or email talktous@taicalon.org

If you’ve been the victim of a crime or serious anti-social behaviour:

  • In an emergency, always call 999.
  • For non-emergencies or to report a crime, call 101.
  • To report information anonymously, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
  • Independent advice and support is also available from ASB Help at www.asbhelp.co.uk

Together, we can continue building communities where everyone feels safe, respected and proud to call home.