Anti-social behaviour

When you make a complaint, we will investigate and take any action needed to resolve the situation. We treat all complaints in confidence, although in some cases we may need to share information so we can take appropriate action.

How we investigate

Depending on the issue, we may:

• speak to the people involved
• refer the case to mediation
• work with Community Wardens or Community Police
• involve other services or agencies
• give advice or warnings
• refer cases to Legal Services if legal action is needed
• pass cases to your local housing team

If you live in a privately owned property, your complaint will go straight to the Anti-social Investigation Team.
If the issue involves a tenant of a private landlord, the landlord is responsible for taking action. In some cases they may ask the court to end the tenancy.

How quickly we will respond

We aim to:

• acknowledge your complaint within 3 working days
• speak with you within 5 working days
• complete initial investigations within 15 working days
• update you on the outcome within 20 working days

If a case is urgent, complex or involves other agencies, these timescales may change. We will let you know if this happens.

How you can help

It helps if you keep a clear record of incidents. We can provide an incident diary for:

• dates and times
• what happened
• who was involved (if known)

If there is a risk of harm or someone is vulnerable, do not keep a diary. Call 999 if the incident is happening now, or 101 for non‑emergencies.

We can only take formal action when there is independent evidence that anti-social behaviour has happened, so please report incidents to Police Scotland or to us.

What action we may take

Before legal action, we may try early measures such as Acceptable Behaviour Contracts, which can be effective, especially with young people.

If behaviour continues, we may apply for an Anti-social Behaviour Order (ASBO). This civil order stops the individual from continuing the behaviour. If they break the order, it may become a criminal matter and should be reported to Police Scotland straight away.

Serious cases often need several agencies working together. Legal processes can take time, so please stay in touch with us throughout.

If you disagree with the outcome

If you are unhappy with the decision or how your complaint was handled, you can contact us to discuss your concerns.