Summer Safety Advice

What is anti-social behaviour?

Anti-social behaviour (ASB) encompasses various forms of disruptive conduct, including:

• Excessive noise
• Graffiti
• Littering
• Neighbour disputes

While these behaviour may not be classified as criminal offences, they can significantly impact the quality of life for individuals and communities. If you encounter any instances of anti-social behaviour, it is crucial to report them promptly to prevent the situation from escalating.

Who deals with anti-social behaviour?

Local councils, the Housing Executive, housing associations, private landlords and police are responsible for dealing with different types of anti-social behaviour.

Learn who to contact regarding specific types of non-criminal anti-social behaviour on NI Direct's website.

What type of anti-social behaviour should I report to police?

Some anti-social behaviour is criminal activity. You should contact us to report:

• Motoring offences
• Drunken and rowdy behaviour in a public place
• Criminal damage
• Assaults
• Theft
• Intimidation
• Harassment
• Drug use or drug dealing
• Hate crime

A significant number of burglars are opportunistic individuals who take advantage of the lack of security measures in place, such as open or unlocked doors and windows, removing the need for forced entry.

Even if you are not heading away this summer, it is still important to remember to secure your home when you are outside enjoying the sunshine.

To deter thieves, here are some tips on how to protect your home:

• Always ensure your windows and doors are locked
• Mark valuable items in your home with your postcode and house number
• Don’t keep large amounts of cash in your home
• Leave a front room or bedroom light on if it will be dark before you get home
• Consider installing a home security system
• Consider security lights - to a burglar a dark house is an empty house
• Lock garages and sheds
• Give your property an occupied look by using timer switches for lights when your home is empty
• Always keep sheds and outbuilding locked and secure ladders

For more information on how best to protect your home, visit our House Security section.

If you are heading off to the caravan with friends and family, please remember the following tips to ensure that your caravan is as secure as possible. 

• Lock Up – Always close doors, windows and any skylights when you leave your caravan, even if it’s for a short time. Always lock your caravan and take the keys with you. 
• Don’t leave valuables on display. Take all your valuables with you when you leave your caravan.
• Leave curtains open. By doing this, possible intruders can see there are no valuables lying around. 
• Use an alarm and security markings. Have a reliable alarm fitted and mark valuable possessions such as laptops and televisions with a UV marker. This helps police identify recovered property. 
• Get to know your neighbours and look out for your neighbour’s caravans when they are vacant.

Car thieves can strike at any time and it only takes them a few seconds to steal your vehicle and, or your belongings. Here are some simple steps you can take to prevent the worst from happening:

• Don’t leave items on display. Mobile phones, electronic equipment, money, sunglasses, tools, clothing and bags should be removed from the car or placed in the boot. 
• When not in use, either at home or out and about, store your vehicle keys and fobs in a RFID security pouch. Keep these out of sight and reach.
• Always lock and close the windows of your vehicle when unattended. 
• Always listen out for the sound of your doors locking, lights flashing and mirrors closing. If you don’t hear or see this, be sure to double check.
• If you have a garage, use it and lock it. Think about using an alarm for your garage and gates. 

We share further advice on how best to protect your car in our Preventing Car and Vehicle Theft section.