The Antisocial Behaviour Act defines antisocial behaviour as “acting in a manner that causes or is likely to cause alarm or distress”. This could mean being too noisy (most complaints about anti-social behaviour are about noisy neighbours), graffiti, or misusing drugs or alcohol.

The police and local authorities have been given more powers by the Antisocial Behaviour etc (Scotland) Act 2004 to tackle antisocial behaviour. If you go to the “general public” section of the Antisocial Behaviour Scotland website you can find out what your local authority is doing to tackle antisocial behaviour, and also what you can do to help!

If you witness anti-social behaviour you should report it. If you don’t want to go directly to the police, there are other people you can speak to in your local area – go to the Antisocial Behaviour Scotland website to find out who to contact!