Updated: 2 October 2023
We want our homes and neighbourhoods to be great places to live. We also know that sometimes people don't get on and can suffer because of the ways others behave.
If you or someone you know is suffering because of anti-social behaviour (ASB), tell us. Our teams are on hand to lend their support.
We're not all the same and we all have different lifestyle choices, some of which we may not like, but if someone's actions are causing you alarm, distress or harassment, there are steps we can take to help.
What is considered ASB may be different depending on the circumstances, for more information please read our ASB policy.
Talk to the person. They may not know they’re upsetting you. Often you can sort out personal disagreements and everyday problems just by talking them over. When you do talk to the person remember to:
If you are concerned that noise coming from a neighbour could be domestic abuse, please do not wait to report to us, find out more about what you can do and how to report here.
If you've tried talking to the person and the problem continues then you must let us know.
You can report the problem:
If your report is urgent or an emergency, please don't wait, call the Torus Customer Hub 0800 678 1894. If someone is in immediate danger call the Police on 999.
The more information we have, the easier it is for us to investigate. If you are reporting antisocial behaviour to us, please include your contact details so we can get in touch to find out more and keep you updated.
Even if you want to remain anonymous, you can still report a problem; we will do our best to act with the information we have.
Reports are dealt with promptly and you may be contacted by a Safer Estates Officer who is fully trained to help resolve things as quickly as possible.
Torus often receive reports of noise coming from neighbouring properties, however, some noise disturbances fall outside of what would be considered every day acceptable household noises, such as playing excessively loud music, or increased noise levels at inconsiderate times, either late at night or in the early hours of the morning.
Noise nuisance can be very subjective and several factors must be taken into account such as the time it occurs, levels of noise, frequency, duration of the noise, and the type of noise. The type of property can also be a factor, with noise being more sensitive in communal blocks and flats.
If you have recently reported multiple incidences of ASB and no action has been taken, you can ask your local authority to activate a ASB Case Review.
A ASB Case Review gives you the right to request a review into your case and bring agencies (e.g. Torus, the council, police) together to find a solution.
For more information about ASB Case Reviews, visit:
Cuckooing is when a drug dealer takes over the home of a vulnerable person who often lives on their own in order to use it as a base for drug dealing. Just like a cuckoo, the dealer moves in, takes over the property and turns it into a drugs den.
Dealers will choose someone they can scare, bully and control. They will seem friendly at first.
Victims of ‘cuckooing’ are often drug users but can include older people, those suffering from mental or physical health problems, female sex workers, single mums and those living in poverty. Victims may suffer from other forms of addiction, such as alcoholism, and are often already known to the police. Dealers often approach the victim offering free drugs to use their home for dealing.
Cuckooing is often linked to county lines drug dealing where urban gangs travel to suburban areas to establish a base for drug dealing. As a result of these actions, those being “cuckooed” can suffer from abuse and exploitation.
Signs of ‘Cuckooing’ to look out for:
Torus wants you to feel safe in your home, so if you suspect ‘cuckooing’ is taking place, or you think you are a victim of cuckooing is urged to contact the ASB (Safer Estates) Team or the Police.
Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Torus residents were reporting a constant stream of visitors at one of our homes. They suspected there was drug dealing, and people known to the police were coming to the property. This activity was causing significant alarm and distress to people living in the community.
We assisted our affected residents in communicating directly with Merseyside Police. As a result, Merseyside Police were able to collect evidence to build a case for a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Torus colleagues provided continuous reassurance and support, so residents felt safe reporting anti-social behaviour anonymously and that they wouldn't fear reprisals.
We continued to gather comprehensive evidence to support Merseyside Police in getting a closure order. Previously, two police warrants were unsuccessful in finding drugs on site. The tenant even attempted to barricade the door so police could not enter the property.
Our continued close partnership with Merseyside Police resulted in the successful obtaining of a closure order for the property. The order prevented the tenant from returning for three months, and the anti-social behaviour stopped.
A resident expressed their appreciation for our support, saying:
"I can't thank Torus and the Police enough for all the hard work. It's been absolute bliss, and it's a huge relief to me and the other residents."
The Neighbourhood Policing Inspector praised the partnership approach between Merseyside Police and Torus, which has helped to evidence criminal and anti-social behaviour, saying:
"Let me be clear, if you engage in anti-social behaviour that causes misery within the community where you reside, the full weight of the law will be levied against you, and you could find yourself faced with a court order such as this one. My sincere thanks to Torus Housing for their assistance and the hard work of my officers in securing this closure."
During a further three-month extension of the initial closure order, Torus applied for legal possession of the property. Torus successfully secured an Order for Possession and a warrant for eviction, so the tenant could not return to the property permanently.
Dealing with noise nuisance – what you can do: help & advice
Information for victims of hate crime and harassment
ASB is behaviour that is disruptive to you, the people around you, or your local community.