Introduction to tools and powers

Anti-social behaviour causes lasting harm to individuals and the community and must be stopped at the earliest opportunity, when the minimum harm has been caused. In many instances anti-social behaviour can be stopped if challenged early, hence the importance of early warnings, visits or letters in preventing an escalation of problems. It is important to make sure the appropriate intervention is used at the right time and the measure of success is the community's view on whether the anti-social behaviour has been stopped.

Whilst an incremental approach is the right one, there will be occasions when it is not practical to follow all the stages to deal swiftly and effectively with anti-social behaviour to provide immediate protection to individuals and the community.

Most people have an idea of what is an acceptable standard of behaviour and if these standards are to be meaningful then infringements and breaches of the standards needs to be challenged and dealt with. The key is the enforcement of standards.

Some of the most effective interventions are those that engage the individual and lead them to change their own behaviour. Challenging behaviour and ensuring perpetrators understand that there are consequences to their actions is vital to making the long term changes needed.