Anti-social behaviour
Anti-social behaviour is a general term which refers to behaviour which adversely affects the health, safety or well being of other tenants. In the context of student housing, this can include vandalism, setting off fire alarms, abusive behaviour, excessive noise, dumping rubbish or tampering with the health and safety equipment in a house, flat or development. Anti-social behaviour may be perpetrated by a friend of a tenant but tenants are responsible for the behaviour of anyone brought into a property.
As this is a wide ranging term, the options available and method for dealing with the problem will vary depending on the nature and extent of the behaviour. It is often found that someone who is responsible for one of these activities may be demonstrating other aspects of anti-social behaviour to other tenants.
Unipol and college and University authorities take damage to health and safety or fire equipment extremely seriously and this behaviour can result in students being summoned to a disciplinary hearing at their institution and can be suspended or permanently excluded from their course.
It is important when dealing with anti-social behaviour that all tenants work together to deal with the problem. Behaviour which may appear amusing at first can soon be seen as anti-social when it occurs in the middle of exam time, or when work deadlines loom.
In order for Unipol to take action, it is necessary for us to gather evidence against the perpetrators of this behaviour. We may find this through CCTV and through staff witnessing behaviour but our biggest source of evidence is other tenants. It is important to give us first hand information in writing of:
- What you saw occur
- Who was involved
- When it happened
- Any witnesses
- Any details reported to the Police
We quite often get second hand information about who is responsible for certain anti-social behaviour, and although useful to us to help identify perpetrators, will not allow us to take firm action.
Unipol may involve the police where vandalism has occurred and may also involve the fire authorities over damage to fire systems and equipment. A criminal record is not something that anyone would want on their CV. In some cases, Unipol may not involve the police and to resolve the situation will seek an apology, to anyone that has suffered because of your actions, and payment to repair any damage.
Options available to you:
- Make written complaint to Unipol.
- Make a formal complaint to college or University.
- Report criminal activity to the police (including vandalism).
- Encourage other tenants to provide evidence, particularly witness statements.
- Help us to promote zero tolerance on damage to fire or other safety equipment.
- We can sometimes move a tenant who is suffering from anti-social behaviour and has made a written complaint to Unipol – we do however prefer to deal with the anti-social tenant who may be affecting lots of people.
- Direct you to Victim Support and the Police Drop-in services at Unipol Student Homes.
If you feel that the behaviour is due in whole or part to your sex, race or sexuality- it may fall under different procedures within your college or University. As different institutions have different procedures, talk to Unipol for advice at your earliest opportunity.
If you wish to report anti-social behaviour to Unipol, you can download an Incident Report Form below. Unipol would also encourage you to report all crimes directly to the Police. Your written information to Unipol will not be shown to the perpetrator and Unipol will do what they can to make sure that we keep your name and address in confidence. Occasionally however, the person(s) you have made a complaint about can guess who has complained or may approach you to ask if you have made the complaint. Additionally, the Police may wish to contact you to take a statement and obtain some further information.
In certain cases, Unipol may suggest, or a tenant may feel that more formal action needs to be investigated by your institution. Please read below regarding the procedure which may take place.
Formal Action:
There are complaint’s procedures or student codes of behaviour operated by the Universities and Colleges and you can only make complaints against staff or students from the institution. The procedures are often complicated although may have an informal track to them to resolve less serious issues.
Your college or university will also have a harassment procedure for students being harassed by other students or staff.
Unipol can put you in touch with the appropriate person at your institution and provide information and support.
If the matter involves criminal activity, you must report it to the police. Again, Unipol can help with contacts and provide information where appropriate. We can also help you find support during any legal process.
To commence formal proceedings you will usually need to have evidence. This may include statements from witnesses so it is important that you keep detailed logs, and notes.
We may suggest you move to another Unipol property during any formal action. This can usually be arranged at short notice where necessary.
Key tips
Obtain copies of the complaints procedures for the college
Talk to Unipol for help and advice
Keep detailed logs and notes including dates, times, witnesses and facts You may need help and support through any formal process
Download - Top Tips for being a considerate neighbour & Incident Report Form
Links
Leeds
Drop-in services at Unipol Student Homes.
Leeds Community Anti-social Behaviour Team (LCC)
West Yorkshire Police - you can also contact your Police Student liaison officer by emailing twsi@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk
Leeds City Council - from their search engine, insert “Anti social behaviour”
For investigation of serious noise complaints, Leeds City Council provides a night time and weekend service. Day Time: 0113 2476284 Night time: 0113 2407361
Leeds Metropolitan University student services, counselling, debt management etc
Leeds Metropolitan University Student Union
The University of Leeds, support, guidance, welfare
The University of Leeds Student Union
Leeds College of Art and Design
The Northern School of Contemporary Dance
Leeds Community Mediation Service offers a range of services including help to neighbours in conflict
Victim Support is the independent charity which helps people cope with the effects of crime.
Bradford
Bradford City Council - from their search engine, insert “Anti-social behaviour” or environmental health.
The University of Bradford student services
The University of Bradford Students Union
Victim Support is the independent charity which helps people cope with the effects of crime.