Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour
Many businesses suffer from the effects of anti-social behaviour but particularly it can impact small independent retailers. Small outlets in local communities can act as a hotspot for ASB causing mental, physical and financial harm to a business.
It can also impact the customers of the business and local community because of the price in increased costs of goods, higher insurance premiums and potential loss of investment by businesses in the local area.
Examples of ASB that could affect a business include:
- Nuisance, rowdy or inconsiderate neighbours
- Vandalism, graffiti and fly-posting
- Environmental damage such as littering, dumping of rubbish and abandonment of cars
- Threatening behaviours towards staff or customers
The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 allows police and other agencies to apply for court orders to prevent anti-social behaviour. These orders can be against individuals (Criminal Behaviour Orders), against areas (Dispersal Orders and Public Place Protection Orders), or against properties (Closure Orders).
The act also includes the Case Review providing victims of persistent ASB the opportunity to demand a review by public bodies to determine whether any further action can be taken.
There is no one size fits all approach to stopping anti-social behaviour but there is a wealth of options available to provide respite to victims and make communities safer.
Find out what support is available to your business if you are suffering from ASB:
