Feature article
Anti-Social Behavior (ASB)
Article by Nastaran Rooeen, age 14
I am sure there are people reading this and thinking "What exactly is Anti-Social Behavior?" According to the Home Office, it's "a variety of behaviour covering a whole complex of selfish and unacceptable activity that can blight the quality of community life”.
For example:
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Nuisance neighbours |
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Rowdy and nuisance behaviour |
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Yobbish behaviour and intimidating groups taking over public spaces |
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Vandalism, graffiti and fly-posting |
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People dealing and buying drugs on the street |
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People dumping rubbish and abandoning cars |
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Begging and anti-social drinking |
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The misuse of fireworks |
I did not expect to see some of the things that was on that list, and it made me wonder how much young people know about ASB, and what it means to them, and who better to ask than my friends.
Here are some of the things they said:
"I think anti-social behavior is when people who don't have anything better to do with their life, and they disturb you on a bus etc, and ruin your day. People who swear, graffiti just are annoying to be around."
"It’s people who act in a manner that makes other people feel uncomfortable using words, violence and body language."
"Anti-social behavior, in my opinion, is disrespecting a member of the public or damaging your community in any way."
One thing I definitely picked up on whilst talking to adults about ASB, is they tend to believe young people are the source most times, and are not really at the receiving end. A more effective way of dealing with ASB in general is to encourage youths to spend their time in community centres or joining sports clubs, and engaging in activities they enjoy. That way, young people are not on the street causing havoc, but still enjoying themselves.
A lot of people say in the papers etc, that they have tried to stand up to people being anti-social but everyone else around has just pretended it was fine. Of course, you cannot blame people for being scared. Personally, I do get intimidated when I am out alone and see a gang of boys walking towards me. No, I do not cross the road just to avoid them as I have seen my mum do once or twice, but I do feel relieved when they've walked past and nothing has happened, especially late at night.
So what should you do if you see someone being anti-social? I have given a lot of thought about this and it seems the best thing to do would be, not to get personally involved and report it to the police.
So, in answer to my own question, there is not really anything one can do on the spot to stop ASB, without putting yourself in danger.
Help tackle anti-social behaviour
Everyone should feel safe in their own home, and should not have to put up with anti-social behaviour. The police and the council work together to share information and take action to stop anti-social behaviour.
If you are affected by nuisance or anti-social behaviour please report it. You won’t need to give your name or any other details unless you want to.
You can also help the police give you the help you need by knowing who to call in different situations. Out of the 2.5 million calls to the Metropolitan Police last year only 20 percent needed an emergency response.
Only call
999 in an emergency, for example:
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When someone is in immediate danger |
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When a crime is happening now |
Call your
Camden police station on 020 7974 1212 when:
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There is no immediate danger to life |
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The crime has already happened, and the offender has left |
Non-urgent but important incidents that should be reported to
your police station are:
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A stolen bicycle |
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A car or property that has been deliberately damaged |
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Finding stolen property |
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A minor traffic accident |
Contact your police Safer Neighbourhoods Team
if you have concerns about community safety in your area,
such as graffiti, vandalism or drug dealing. |
| If the phone is not answered, please leave a message and the team will get back to you as soon as possible. |
You can also contact Camden Council about housing related anti-social behaviour such as noise nuisance, youth disturbances and harassment.
During the day, contact Holborn district housing office on 020 7974 3566, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. During the evening, Housing Patrol service on 020 7974 8205, 6.00 pm to 2.00 am.
Visit www.camdensafe.org for more information.
