Birmingham Anti-Social Behaviour Unit (BASBU)
An introdution to Birmingham's response to Anti-Social Behaviour.
What is anti-social behaviour?
Anti-social behaviour (ASB) covers a wide spectrum of activities from minor neighbour disputes arising out of differences in lifestyle, to serious criminal behaviour often in the form of harassment.
The following are examples of behaviour normally considered to be anti-social:
• Excessive noise (especially late at night)
• Rowdy, unruly or threatening behaviour
• Criminal activity
• Nuisance caused by children of tenants, or visitors to council properties and estates
• Nuisance caused by animals
• Vandalism
• Racial or sexual harassment
• Dumping of litter or rubbish
• Statutory nuisance (such as fume emissions)
• Breaches of tenancy conditions
• Criminal offences
Anti-social behaviour can be targeted at an individual often because of perceived differences (for example, harassment including racial harassment). Anti-social behaviour can be "accidental" or "un-thinking" inconsiderate behaviour.
Anyone can be a victim of antisocial behaviour or suffer the effects of it, regardless of whether they are a council tenant, homeowner, tenant of a registered social landlord or private landlord.
ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR SERVICES
Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Helpline - 0121 303 1111
Trained staff are available 8am – 8pm to provide telephone advice and information for anyone concerned about ASB. This line should be used to report incidents other than emergencies which should be reported to the Police immediately. The most serious cases will be referred directly to BASBU (see below) for further action.
Birmingham Anti-Social Behaviour unit (BASBU)
The role of BASBU is to investigate cases of anti-social behaviour in partnership with other council departments and agencies such as West Midlands Police, registered social landlords and other voluntary organisations. BASBU officers aim to address problem behaviour early on through both legal and non-legal remedies, focusing upon prevention strategies wherever possible but going to court as necessary. BASBU also provides support and advice to local housing teams and provides training to council staff and other agencies.
Mediation
In suitable cases, the council offers a professional mediation service to people experiencing problems with their neighbours. This involves both parties discussing the issues with fully-trained mediators, either separately or together. Eighty percent of such cases are successfully resolved by our Mediation service. The ASB Helpline can provide further information or make a referral.
CHOICES
The CHOICES project is a voluntary service for people whose anti-social behaviour causes serious problems for others. The project works with adults and children with the aim of improving behaviour and preventing eviction or other court orders. Anybody with a history of anti-social behaviour and a willingness to make positive changes can be considered for a referral. More information is available from the ASB Helpline (0121 303 1111).
For further information on the Birmingham Anti-Social Behaviour Unit, please visit the BASBU website at: