Anti-social behaviour is behaviour which causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more people who are not in the same household as the perpetrator.

Among the forms it can take are:

1. graffiti - which can on its own make even the tidiest urban spaces look squalid

2. abusive and intimidating language, too often directed at minorities

3. excessive noise, particularly at night

4. fouling the street with litter

5. drunken behaviour in the streets, and the mess it creates

6. dealing drugs, with all the problems to which it gives rise.

Anti-social behaviour orders (ASBO) often include restrictions on entering a geographical area or shop but can include bans on specific acts, such as swearing in public. Juveniles can be identified to ensure the community involved knows about the ASBO imposed. The orders are civil, not criminal, sanctions - although breaches are punishable by up to five years in prison - and are handled by police and local authorities working in partnership.

We have partnerships with all five unitary authorities and other statutory partners in our area where anti-social behaviour issues are supported by a joint protocol. This document provides a framework for all five partnerships to work within allowing sufficient flexibility for local procedures and needs. The protocol is formally reviewed every twelve months or sooner upon changes to legislation.