The local authority will provide support and assistance to local residents who are victims of harassment, antisocial behaviour and noise and nuisances and where necessary take appropriate actions in conjunction with other agencies such as the Police.

The Antisocial Behaviour etc (Scotland) Act 2004 encourages organisations to work together to tackle antisocial behaviour. This means that it is now easier for communities and individuals to seek advice and support.

In Dumfries and Galloway we treat all complaints of unreasonable or antisocial behaviour very seriously.

What is Antisocial Behaviour?

The Antisocial Behaviour etc (Scotland) Act 2004 defines antisocial behaviour as occurring when someone:

• acts in a manner that causes or is likely to cause alarm or distress, or
• pursues a course of conduct that causes or is likely to cause alarm or distress, to at least one person not of the same household as them.

Noise, abusive neighbours, littering, fly tipping, threatening or intimidating behaviour, can all be described as antisocial. These types of behaviour need to be tackled effectively so that the region can continue to be promoted as a safe and healthy place in which to live and work.

Types of Antisocial Behaviour

The types of antisocial behaviour identified in our area are broken down into 9 types. The results of the Community Safety and Antisocial Behaviour survey placed the issues in the following order;

1. Animal Nuisance
2. Drug Misuse
3. Litter / Fly tipping / Discarded needles
4. Harassment
5. Rowdy behaviour
6. Vandalism / Graffiti
7. Neighbour disputes
8. Noisy neighbours / loud parties
9. Deliberate fire-setting

Our Counci's Community Safety Team have some responsibility for addressing a number of these types of antisocial behaviour. However, there are a number of agencies who can help with issues of antisocial behaviour in Dumfries and Galloway.

• Find out more about how to tackle antisocial behaviour 

Antisocial Behaviour Strategy 2011-2014

The  Antisocial Behaviour Strategy 2011-2014 [272kb] is fully supported by the Police, Council, Fire and Rescue, Registered Social Landlords, NHS and supporting agencies locally.

The strategy is based on 4 key themes:-

• Prevention and Early Intervention
• Community Engagement
• Communication
• Enforcement

The strategy is closely aligned with the national strategy to reduce offending through education and early intervention where enforcement is seen as a last resort when other approaches have failed to resolve the core issues. 

• Tackling Antisocial Behaviour
  To ensure that Dumfries and Galloway Council is using resources effectively and implementing appropriate control measures, an annual Antisocial Behaviour Strategic Assessment is carried out, in order to identify new and emerging trends and threats within our region. This process ensures that community concerns are addressed and continuing needs are met.
  Find out more...
• Antisocial Behaviour - Frequently Asked Questions
  Want to know more about Antisocial Behaviour?
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• Mediation Service
  Mediation is where someone impartial is asked by people involved in a conflict to help them make a confidential and informal agreement and/or help to improve understanding.
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• Discarded Needles
  Discarded hypodermic needles and syringes can be a danger to everyone because of the risk of injury and infection to the finder. Needles and syringes can be extremely hazardous and should be reported immediately.
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