Report anti-social behaviour
Anti-social behaviour (ASB) is behaviour that causes harassment, alarm or distress to others.
Types of ASB
ASB can be categorised as:
- personal attacks: targeted at individuals or groups
- nuisance: affects the wider community
- environmental: impacts public spaces or buildings
Drug dealing and cannabis
Cannabis use, cultivation and drug dealing are illegal. If you notice a strong smell of cannabis:
- report it to Kent Police on 101 or on their website
- report it to the landlord or housing management company
- contact the Community Protection Team using the form below
If you witness drug dealing, report it to Kent Police anonymously. You will need to tell them:
- where it happened
- the time you saw it
- a description of the people involved
Bikes and e-scooters
Privately owned e-scooters are not legal to use on public roads, pavements or cycle paths in Maidstone. Using them in public areas could result in police action or seizure.
Nuisance bikes can cause concern when used irresponsibly. Our Community Protection Team work together with Kent Police to address the issues. You can report it to Kent Police. They will need to know:
- where they were
- the time you saw them
- a description of the people involved
Unpleasant smells and manure
Odours can be investigated under ASB or nuisance legislation, depending on where the smell is coming from and the impact it has. Domestic odours, including bonfires, pets or waste, must not cause a nuisance. If they do, you can report it to us. Commercial odours from businesses or farms may be subject to permits or licensing.
Manure spreading is a licensed agricultural activity regulated by the Environment Agency. It may include:
- chicken manure
- human waste (treated sludge)
- paper waste byproducts
If you believe a farm is not following best practice, use the form below or contact the Environment Agency.
Unauthorised encampments
If you see an encampment on public land, contact the Community Protection team as soon as possible. You will need to tell them:
- the location
- how many vehicles are at the camp
- any concerns that you may have
Speak to your neighbour
Before you report the problem to us, speak to your neighbour. Conversations can help reduce tension and misunderstandings.
If your conversation does not help, you can try mediation instead. It is a free, confidential service that can help neighbours resolve disputes peacefully. A trained mediator can speak to your neighbour on your behalf, but both parties have to agree to participate. It can be done in person, by phone or by video call.
You can contact the Maidstone Mediation Service on 01622 692 843 or visit their website.
If someone complains about you
We may contact you if someone has complained about you. We cannot tell you who complained unless they agree for it to be shared. This is to protect privacy and keep a fair and impartial investigation.
If we contact you, it means:
- that intervention is appropriate
- you may be asked to reduce the impact of your behaviour
- you can respond or seek support if you need it
If you think the complaint is wrong or you do not understand the process, contact the investigating officer.
Tell us about a problem
If the anti-social behaviour is happening now, call 101 to speak to the police. If you need help in an emergency, call 999.
You cannot report:
- one-off house parties
- children playing or ball games
- DIY during reasonable hours
- cooking smells
- parking disputes
Before you start
We need to know:
- what type of behaviour you have experienced
- how often it happens
- your name, address and contact details
- if you think it is related to hate crime
We will also ask you if we can share your report with our partners:
- Kent Police
- Kent County Council
- Housing Associations
- Maidstone community safety unit
By sharing, we will be able to investigate your report quickly. In some situations, we may legally have to share information without your consent.
What happens next
We will respond to all reports within five working days. High-risk cases will be contacted as soon as possible.
Next stages
The report will be triaged and risk-assessed. Evidence will then be collected before the investigation stages begin. The stages are:
- stage 1: advisory letter
- stage 2: community protection warning
- stage 3: monitoring or formal action
- stage 4: enforcement
If the behaviour happens again within six months, the case will be reopened. If not, a new case will be opened. Officers can access all of the cases to help with their investigations. If you would like to be kept informed, speak to your investigation officer.
ASB app
The ASB app is a secure tool that can be used to record and report anti-social behaviour and noise nuisance. It helps officers assess the frequency, severity and impact of the behaviour. You can use the app to complete diary entries and upload video or audio evidence. You must provide:
- at least five days of disturbance over two weeks
- descriptions of where you were and how it affected you
- start and stop times for each incident
You can only use the ASB app if an investigating officer thinks it is appropriate for your case.