What is Anti Social Behaviour?
The Anti Social Behaviour Etc (Scotland) Act 2004 defines anti social behaviour.
A person engages in anti social behaviour if he/she -
‘Acts in a manner that causes, or is likely to cause alarm or distress, or pursues a course of conduct that causes, or is likely to cause alarm or distress to at least one person who is not in the same household’ .
Who are ASIST?
ASIST stands for Anti Social Investigation and Support Team.
We are a specialised team of experienced officers who investigate and resolve problems of anti social behaviour.
These may include problems of youth disorder, drug dealing, loud music, assaults and threatening behaviour, etc.
We are based at a central office at Levenvalley Enterprise Centre, Castlehill, Dumbarton, but we investigate cases throughout the whole of West Dunbartonshire.
How do we do this?
Once a case is referred to us we visit the complainer(s) to take statements in order to find out the full extent of the problem.
We will also interview any other person (neighbour, friend or relative) who may be able to provide any further information.
It is important to stress that any information passed to the team is kept strictly confidential.
In order to investigate incidents fully, regular contact is maintained between ASIST and various agencies, such as the Police, Social Work, Environmental Health, etc. We have various pieces of technology which help us to gather evidence, including digital cameras and noise monitoring equipment, which can be installed in peoples’ homes to record noise levels.
We can meet with you either at your home, or at your local area housing office.
If you are a tenant of one our local housing associations, we can meet you at the housing association offices.
What action can the Council take against anti social tenants?
The majority of cases that ASIST and our Enforcement Officers deal with can be resolved without the need for legal action.
Often a verbal or written warning has the desired effect of modifying a persons anti social conduct.
If however there is evidence of persistent anti social behaviour, there are various legal remedies available to local authorities for dealing with anti social neighbours. We may, in conjunction with our solicitor raise legal proceedings against an individual who is engaging in serious and persistent anti social behaviour.
To date, the ASIST Team has utilised the full range of legal remedies at our disposal, including Eviction, Interdicts, Anti Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs), and Specific Implements.
What should I do if I have an anti social neighbour?
You should report any incidents to the police, at the time they are happening. You should also keep a dairy of events, and it is important that you note down the times and dates of incidents, and the time when you contacted the police. You should also contact the Enforcement Officer / Housing Officer /ASIST Officer dealing with your case, to keep them up to date with events.
Download an Anti Social Behaviour Diary (215 KB .pdf document)
Our Community Warden Service can also attend to provide assistance and act as professional witnesses should they witness an incident taking place. Community Wardens can be contacted by telephoning our Anti Social Behaviour Helpline or electronically at the email address given below.
The Anti Social Behaviour Helpline (Telephone 01389 772048), is staffed between 8am to 11pm, Monday to Friday, and 3pm to 11pm, Saturday and Sunday.
If you phone outwith these hours, you can leave a voicemail message and an officer will return your call as soon as possible.
How do I make a complaint?
West Dunbartonshire Council Tenants
West Dunbartonshire Council Tenants wishing to make a complaint about anti social behaviour should in the first instance contact their local housing office to complete a Neighbour Complaint form. Initially the Enforcement Officer for your area will investigate complaints, and if the complaint is deemed to be of a serious nature then there is a procedure whereby the case will referred on to ASIST.
If you wish advice or assistance on making a complaint please contact your local area housing office at the address below:
Clydebank Area Housing Office, Rosebery Place, Clydebank, G81, Telephone 01389 737000
Alexandria Area Housing Office, 17 Mitchell Way, Alexandria, G83, Telephone 01389 608900
Dumbarton Area Housing Office 24-30 College Way Dumbarton, G82, Telephone 01389 608999
Housing Association Tenants
You should make a complaint in the first instance to your housing association office. Your housing officer will investigate the complaint initially, however if the complaint is deemed to be of a serious nature, the housing association may refer the case to ASIST.
ASIST will then investigate the case on behalf of the housing association, and will keep your housing officer up to date with the case.
Where legal action against an individual is required, this will be raised by the housing association and not ASIST.
Home Owners and Tenants of Private Landlords
You should make a complaint directly to ASIST by telephoning the Anti Social Behaviour Helpline or by email using the link below.
ASIST will investigate your complaint and keep you updated with the results of the investigation.
Email ASIST staff at asist@west-dunbarton.gov.uk.
How Can we Help Victims of Anti Social Behaviour?
If you are a Victim of anti social behaviour and are affected by this we have can refer you to Victim Support. This is a confidential support service which offers assistance with the emotional effects and practical concerns of anti social behaviour.
Further informaton can be found at the Victim Support website www.victimsupport.co.uk or by contacting them on 0141 952 2095.
