Simple Anti-Social Behavior Policy (Multiple Languages)

Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Policy – Easy Read

This is Beacon Cymru Group’s simple guide to their Anti-Social Behaviour Policy. It tells you what ASB is, how we can help, and what you can expect from us.

Purpose of This Policy

We want everyone to:

• Feel safe at home and nearby
• Enjoy peace and quiet
• Be treated with respect
• Have a good quality of life

This policy explains:

• What anti-social behaviour is
• When we can help
• How we handle ASB
• How we support people affected by ASB

Our main way to help is through restorative actions. This means:

• Helping people talk safely
• Understanding the harm done
• Agreeing on ways to move forward
• Fixing relationships if possible

What Residents Want

Residents have told us they want to:

• Feel safe at home and outside
• Have peace and quiet
• Be informed if they report a problem
• Have respectful neighbours
• Enjoy a healthy, happy life

What is Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)?

ASB is when someone behaves in a way that:

Causes distress, fear, or harassment

Causes nuisance or annoyance in or near homes

Makes life difficult for others

Examples of ASB:

• Violence or threats
• Harassment, bullying, or verbal abuse
• Hate incidents or prejudice-driven behaviour
• Drug-related activities
• Loud or ongoing noise
• Vandalism or graffiti
• Rubbish dumping or misuse of shared areas
• Annoyances from vehicles or animals
• Hate Incidents and Prejudice-Based ASB

Some ASB is due to prejudice. This includes actions related to:

• Race or ethnicity
• Disability
• Religion or belief
• Sexual orientation
• Gender or gender reassignment
• Age

We treat these cases as a priority.

When We Will Get Involved

We’ll usually get involved if:

• The person causing ASB is a Beacon resident
• The behaviour affects residents, staff, or visitors

If the person responsible isn’t our resident, we’ll work with the police or local council. We can also help if the person causing ASB lives in a Beacon home, even if you’re an owner-occupier or private tenant.

When We Will Not Get Involved

Everyday noises or issues are not ASB. For example:

• Children playing
• Mowing lawns
• Vacuuming or normal household noise
• Walking on wooden floors
• Minor pet issues
• Lifestyle differences between neighbours

We’ll still listen and help you find other ways to solve these issues.

What You Can Expect From Us

If you report ASB, we will:

• Carefully assess every report
• Check its seriousness and any risks
• Consider your safety and wellbeing
• Explain what we can do and what might happen next

We will:

• Give you a main contact person
• Decide how we’ll stay in touch
• Keep you informed about progress
• Provide interpreters or communication help if needed

Our first choice is a restorative conversation, when it’s safe.

Supporting Victims

We use a trauma-informed approach. This means we:

• Listen carefully
• Take your experience seriously
• Work at your pace
• Focus on what you need

We can:

• Refer you to support services (like Victim Support or Citizens Advice)
• Work with the police and other agencies
• Keep your information private
• Support you if court action is needed (like help with travel)

You can report ASB anonymously, but this may limit the actions we can take.

Supporting People Who Cause ASB

Sometimes those who cause ASB need help too. We may:

• Refer them to support agencies
• Work with parents or carers if they’re under 18
• Try early help before legal action

We may use legal action if necessary.

Equality and Fairness

We treat everyone fairly. We don’t discriminate because of:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender or gender reassignment
• Marriage or civil partnership
• Pregnancy or maternity
• Race or ethnicity
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

We aim to:

• Reduce disadvantage
• Meet different needs
• Encourage understanding and good relations

Monitoring and Learning

We keep records of ASB cases to: – Learn what works well – Improve our services – Spot problems early – Work better with partners

Laws and Policies We Follow

Our work follows the: – Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 – Equality Act 2010 – Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016

We also follow our Complaints Policy.

Protecting Your Information and Privacy

We keep your personal details safe. We will:

• Only collect what’s needed
• Share information when allowed by law
• Follow data protection laws

Welsh Language

You can use our services in Welsh or English. Let us know your preference.

Complaints

If you’re unhappy with how we handled an ASB case, you can complain:

• By phone at 01792 479200
• By emailing [email protected]
• Using the live chat service on our website
• In person at our Swansea or Tonypandy offices
• Writing to Beacon Cymru Group, 3rd Floor, 220 High Street, Swansea, SA1 1NW

We will listen and respond fairly.

Need Help?

If you’re unsure about anything in this document, a team member can explain it clearly. Contact us on 01792 479200 or email [email protected]