ASB Awareness Week: FAQs
This ASB Awareness Week we would like to take a moment to answer some of your frequently asked questions concerning reporting anti-social behaviour...
Who do I contact to report Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)?
To report ASB to South Essex Homes:
- Telephone 0800 833 160
- Email: antisociabehaviour@seh.southend.gov.uk
- Report online: Anti-Social Behaviour | South Essex Homes
To report ASB to Southend City Council
If someone is seriously injured or in immediate danger or there is a threat to public safety call 999.
If you have information regarding criminal activity e.g. drug use or supply you can contact CrimeStoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org. Any information or intelligence you provide will be sent in confidence to Essex Police
What happens when I make an ASB report to South Essex Homes?
You will be asked a series of questions that will determine the response to your query.
After you have made the report you will receive contact from your Tenancy Services Officer to agree an action plan with joint responsibilities i.e. how often we will contact you, you agree to complete and return Incident Reports etc.
We will then continue to maintain contact as agreed in the action plan.
Why can’t you give me more information concerning the perpetrator?
When investigating an ASB report, we must consider the specific support needs of all parties, including the alleged perpetrator. We work closely with all statutory and commissioned organisations to ensure all parties are receiving appropriate support in addition to that of South Essex Homes.
We are bound by the Data Protection Act and cannot share someone’s personal information without consent – the same as we cannot share your information with them.
Why should I consider mediation?
Mediation is an excellent non legal remedy to resolve anti-social behaviour between parties and communities. It does need all parties to agree to take part and can be carried out either face to face in a neutral location or shuttle, whereby the mediator goes between the two homes.
South Essex Homes uses an impartial professional to help all parties to come to an agreement on how to solve the problem. It is not about blaming anyone for the situation. It is confidential and has been used successfully in many cases.
Why haven’t you evicted my anti-social neighbour?
An eviction is the last resort and can only be obtained by taking formal possession action in the County Court, we consider all non-legal and legal remedies before pursuing to possession proceedings.
In order to reach this stage, we must take witness statements from any person affected by the behaviour as well as staff members involved in the investigation. These statements are the basis of our evidence to convince a District Judge that all reasonable attempts have been taken to address the anti-social behaviour and have been ignored by the perpetrator.
This means we require our residents to assist in providing us with evidence.
What can I do if I am not happy with how my ASB case is progressing?
You can request an ASB Case Review when you feel that the agencies involved, such as South Essex Homes, the Council, or the Police, have not adequately responded to an ASB case reported within the previous six months. Find out more about this here: ASB Case Review | South Essex Homes
You are also able to log a formal complaint with us if you are unhappy with our service. You can submit a complaint online: Complaints | South Essex Homes