What is Antisocial Behaviour?

Definition:

Section 143 of the Antisocial Behaviour etc (Scotland) Act 2004 provides that a person engages in Antisocial Behaviour if they:

act in a manner that causes or is likely to cause alarm or distress; or pursue a course of conduct that cause or is likely to cause alarm or distress,

to at least one person who is not of the same household.

Conduct includes what people say; and a course of conduct must involve conduct on at least two occasions.

Antisocial Behaviour is not necessarily behaviour that is merely different, for example by reason of a medical or developmental condition or a mental health problem or because of a different lifestyle, culture or religion. Additionally, any behaviour that is shown to be reasonable in the circumstances will be disregarded.

The following are examples of types of behaviour that may fall within this definition. It should be noted that this list is not exhaustive and other types of behaviour may be defined as antisocial:

• Noise
• Rowdy Behaviour
• Nuisance Behaviour
• Hoax calls
• Intimidation/harassment
• Criminal damage/vandalism
• Litter/rubbish
• Drugs/substance abuse and dealing
• Street drinking
• Abandoned cars
• Vehicle related nuisance and inappropriate vehicle use
• Animal related problems