Taking the right action on antisocial behaviour

Antisocial behaviour isn’t always straightforward. The person causing concern may also be someone who needs support, is vulnerable or is being put at risk by others. That doesn’t excuse the behaviour or lessen the impact on neighbours, but it does mean we need to understand what’s happening before deciding the right next step.

In 2025/26, reports to us about verbal abuse, intimidation or harassment rose by 56.5%, so we know how unsettling and serious this kind of behaviour can be for customers living nearby.

In one case we dealt with, customers reported serious antisocial behaviour linked to a home in one of our buildings. This included noise nuisance, intimidation and concerns about drug-related activity.

As we do with all reports, our Tenancy Management team looked carefully at what was happening, who was being affected and what support or action could help stop the behaviour. They started by focusing on early intervention and support. This included visiting the home with the police, making referrals to local drug and alcohol recovery, safeguarding and mental health services.

We also worked closely with the customer’s family, who were worried that they were being taken advantage of by people carrying out illegal activity. They tried to encourage the customer to engage with the support services we’d referred them to. Despite these efforts, the behaviour continued and the risk to neighbouring customers kept growing. Considering the steps we’d already taken, we decided legal action was the right next step to help protect people living nearby.

Our local Tenancy Management Officer worked closely with the police and asked them to apply to the court for a closure order. This is a legal order that can stop people using a home for a set time. We provided a timeline of incidents, a witness statement and attended court with the police so they had a clear record of what had happened and how it was impacting other customers in the community.

The court granted a three-month closure order, which gave neighbours respite from the behaviour. No one can enter the home while the order is in place, giving the community some breathing space while we seek possession through the legal process. We’ve referred the case to our solicitors and the customer’s parents remain in contact with Hyde on his behalf and are continuing to support him.

This is why we adapt our approach to tackling antisocial behaviour for each situation. By offering support, working with customers as well as their close family or friends, we can consider their needs before deciding what to do next. But when antisocial behaviour continues and customers’ safety or wellbeing is at risk, we’ll take stronger action to help protect our neighbourhoods.

Neal Ackcral, Hyde’s Chief Operating Officer, said:

“Cases like this are difficult because there’s often more than one person who needs help. We may need to support someone with complex needs while also working to protect their neighbours who are being affected by their behaviour.

“Decisions we make can have a huge impact on our communities. We have to give people the chance to accept support, but we also have to recognise when waiting longer would leave people in our communities living in fear, stress or disruption.

“Taking stronger action is never about giving up on someone. It’s about being clear that everyone has the right to feel safe at home.”

If you or anyone you know in our homes needs support, we have resources that can help. Find out more about them in the help and advice section of our website.

If you need to report antisocial behaviour, please contact us through MyAccount or call 0800 3 282 282.