Antisocial behaviour covers a wide range of unacceptable activity that causes harm to an individual, to their community or to their environment. This could be an action by someone else that leaves you feeling alarmed, harassed or distressed. It also includes fear of crime or concern for public safety, public disorder or public nuisance.

Antisocial behaviour in student housing can include:

• Vandalism
• Setting off fire alarms
• Abusive behaviours
• Excessive noise
• Substance misuse

This list is not definitive and it should be remembered that the effects of antisocial behaviour on the individual are very subjective. Any of the above could cause significant negative impact on others. Quite often antisocial behaviour develops out of behaviours which at first can seem funny, but when the behaviour is sustained, happens at inappropriate times of the day or night, when deadlines and exams are due, it can suddenly seem less amusing and be considered antisocial behaviour.

 So what can you do?

The response to antisocial behaviour is dependent on the event, how serious it was, what the impact has been and how sustained it has been.

Unipol, the Universities and other Higher Education institutions take such behaviour very seriously, particularly where peoples’ health and safety may have been compromised. Unipol work closely with the institutions and such behaviour can be escalated to the University under their Student Code of Conduct.

An example might be that if an individual has been involved in damage to fire equipment, this would be investigated and may involve the police and fire service.

Involvement of statutory bodies such as the police may result in a criminal record, which does not enhance a CV or make getting a job easy.

If you witness or are the victim of antisocial behaviour, it is important that you report it to Unipol. We can undertake an investigation, using CCTV or staff witnesses. However, our biggest and best resource for information is YOU!

Put in writing your concerns, it is important to provide as much information as possible; use the 5 W’s

Who? What? Where? When? Why?

Remember keep it factual!

Information provided to us is dealt with in the strictest confidence and we would not disclose the source of information without permission (unless, of course, we feel that there is a direct risk of harm). The Tenancy Support and Wellbeing Coordinator will contact you to arrange a meeting to discuss your complaint and what outcomes you would like. We would also advise you to report concerns to the police if a crime has been committed.

 The possible cost of antisocial behaviour and damage?

Each year a number of students are faced with significant repair and damage costs, as well as disciplinary and/or Police involvement.

Costs for damage soon mount up and are usually the result of pranks going wrong, drunken, irresponsible or silly behaviour. Below are examples from recent years:

• Damage to the large display screen at large development caused by drunken behaviour: Cost for repair and engineer call out £2800
• Damage to smoke detection equipment caused by talcum powder fight: Cost for engineer call out, reset and repair damaged equipment £80
• Jumping up and down in the lifts: Cost of call out and repair between £350 and £2000
• Rubbish build up in communal areas: Cost of deep clean between £30 and £140 dependent on scale of issue.

Where possible Unipol will endeavour to discover who is responsible for the damage and recharge them.

If you have been affected by or concerned about antisocial behaviour, please get in touch with Tenancy Support on tenancysupport@unipol.org.uk or use this form.