Its about balance and support

Our policies state we must weigh the needs of an alleged perpetrator when taking action.

The courts make sure there is well-documented evidence from a number of sources. The standard required is high enough to protect alleged perpetrators until the court decides their status.

We regularly use alternatives to court action, such as mediation, acceptable behaviour contracts and parenting control agreements or referral to other agencies.

We never take action lightly and certainly not to “punish”.

Much antisocial behaviour is of a sub-criminal nature and its impact is felt by the whole community. Sometimes witnesses are terrified to come forward because of harassment or the response they feel may follow. This kind of activity is very much the preserve of RSLs, who have good knowledge of their patches and their residents.

Often this level of antisocial behaviour does not warrant police intervention.

When it does, we refer our tenants to them and will work with the police when required.

Information-sharing between agencies is getting better. The G17 group has called for a pan-London information-sharing protocol, and we will continue to work to identify issues and improve upon our services.

Howard Clark, G17 antisocial behaviour group, London