Sheringham Police Station
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 9am until 5pm, and most evenings

Dealing with Anti-Social Behaviour in North Norfolk.

Important things you need to know if you, your children, your family or visitors to your home are victims of, or involved in, anti-social behaviour.

What is anti-social behaviour?
The law says that anti-social behaviour is when a person 'Has acted in a manner that caused or was likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.'
The sort of behaviour which can cause harassment, alarm, or distress can include: Threats or violence against another person - especially when it is because of their age, religion, race, ethnic origin, gender, domestic circumstances, mental or physical ability or illness. Rubbish or litter (including abandoned cars).
Shouting and verbal abuse. Noise nuisance (including loud music). Vandalism and graffiti.

Who can be guilty of anti- social behaviour?
Anti-social behaviour can be committed by an individual or a group of individuals at any age.

What if young children are involved?
Parents and guardians are responsible for the behaviour of their children aged under 10 years. They may agree to a contract called a Parental Control Agreement, which is a formal promise to supervise the children. If the contract is broken the parent or guardian may face other legal action and /or court proceedings.
The Police and other authorities can apply for an Anti-Social Behaviour Order against any offender aged 10 years or over.

What might happen?
The Police and/or the District Council want to stop anti-social behaviour in the neighbourhood.
Where there is a need for further action they will meet together with other partners* and will jointly agree an action plan to solve the problem.
Some of the options considered will include:
ABC-Acceptable Behaviour Contract.
PCA- Parental Control Agreement.
ASBO- Anti-Social Behaviour Order.
* Depending on the age and circumstances of the offender(s), the other partners may include representatives from Education, Youth Offending Team, Social Services, Health, Probation, Private and Social Landlords and others.

What you can do:
Approach the person(s) yourself and explain what it is that is disturbing you.
Write to the person(s) (and keep copies of all letters sent)
Keep diary notes of all incidents that occur including date, time, person(s) present and what was done/or said.
Be prepared to make statements and if necessary attend court.
The Partnership will not be able to help you unless you are prepared to help yourself.

What we can do.
We will record your complaint and investigate.  Statements will be taken and practical steps taken to address the problem as necessary.