What is anti-social behaviour?

Anti-social behaviour (ASB) is when someone acts in a way that causes harm or distress to others. It can happen in different ways.

Examples of ASB:

• Loud noise, shouting or parties that disturb neighbours
• Threats, intimidation, or harassment (including verbal abuse or hate speech)
• Damage to a property (vandalism or graffiti)
• Drug use or dealing
• Aggressive behaviour or bullying
• Acts that make others feel unsafe or scared
• Hate Crime (targeting someone for who they are)

What isn’t anti-social behaviour?

Everyday life means living alongside others. Some things can be difficult or annoying, but they are not ASB.

Examples that are not ASB:

• Everyday household noise (like footsteps, doors closing, washing machines)
• Babies crying or children playing
• Cooking smells from neighbours
• DIY or home improvement during reasonable hours
• Parking problems (unless there is threatening behaviour)

If you’re not sure, ask us. We can help with advice, even if it isn’t ASB.

Criminal Offences – When to call the police

Some behaviours go beyond ASB and are criminal offences. These should be reported to the police straight away. Let them know if you are worried about your safety or someone else’s.

Criminal offences include:

• Drugs (substance misuse, drug dealing, county lines, cuckooing etc)
• Physical violence or threats
• Theft or burglary
• Hate crimes (targetting someone because of race, religion, disability, sexuality or other protected characteristic)
• Criminal damage (arson, vandalism, breaking windows)
• Verbal abuse (harrassment or threats)

What to do:

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999. For non emergencies, call 101.

After you speak to the police, write down the incident number and the officer’s name. Please let us know these details so we can work with the police and support you.

Welfare Concerns

Sometimes, ASB concerns can be a sign of a bigger situation at home.

If you are worried about someone’s welfare – maybe you notice neglect, abuse, or something that doesn’t seem right. Reporting it is the responsible thing to do. You could help prevent harm of stop abuse.

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

If you’re worried about an adult or child at risk (not an emergency):

• Cardiff Child Safeguarding Team – 029 2053 6490 (out of hours: 029 2078 8570)
• Cardiff Adult Safeguarding Team – 029 2233 0888 (out of hours: 029 2078 8570)

You can report concerns anonymously if you want. Please also let us know, so we can make sure everyone is safe. If you do not feel comfortable reporting directly, talk to any member of our team, we will help you contact the right people.

How Taff responds to ASB

We promise to provide a fair, quick, and supportive service to everyone who reports ASB. Every situation is different, so we respond according to how urgent it is.

Emergency – We respond within 1 working day

If you or someone else is in immediate danger or there is a serious risk to safety such as violence, threats of violence, hate crime, or serious criminal activity. We treat this as an emergency.

• We will contact you within one working day.
• We’ll take urgent steps to help keep you safe.
• We’ll work closely with the police or other agencies if needed.

Urgent – We respond within 3 working days

If the situation is serious but not an emergency. Such as ongoing harassment, intimidation, or repeated serious disturbances, we treat it as urgent.

• We will contact you within three working days.
• We’ll agree an action plan with you and begin investigating.
• You’ll receive regular updates on what’s happening.

Non-Urgent – We respond within 5 working days

Some issues, while important, do not pose an immediate risk such as neighbour disputes, one-off noise complaints, or minor nuisance.

• We will contact you within five working days.
• We’ll listen to your concerns and help you find the best way forward, which may include informal solutions like mediation or a friendly conversation.

No matter what,  you can expect:

• Respect and confidentiality: We keep your information private unless we need to share it to keep people safe.
• Clear communication: so you always know what to expect and what’s happening next.
• Practical support and advice: We’ll help you access other services if needed.
• Partnership working: We may work with the police, council, or other agencies to solve the problem.
• A focus on prevention: We try to resolve issues early, before they get worse.

After your case is closed, we may ask for your feedback. Your views help us keep improving our service.

If you’re ever unsure how your situation will be handled, just ask us we’re here to help.