Neighbour threats and harassment: who helps?

Summary

If a neighbour makes threats (including threats to kill) or ongoing harassment, who helps first is the police for safety and crime recording, then the council ASB team for civil tools, and Citizens Advice for non emergency letter and injunction style signposting. Do not treat this as a quiet housing paperwork problem. Advisers will explain evidence and next doors. They will not stand outside your home as security.

Key information

• If you are in danger now: 999.
• Save messages, voicemails, videos, and a dated incident log. Do not delete threats.
• Ask for a crime reference number when you report.
• Civil injunctions and council ASB powers can sit alongside a criminal investigation.
• Police will assess immediate risk, record crimes such as threats and harassment where the facts fit, and investigate. They will not guarantee a charge, or mediate every neighbour feud when it is only loud words without threat.
• Citizens Advice will help you understand harassment and protection order style routes after you are safe, and point you to harassment. They will not replace a 999 call or act as your criminal solicitor.
• Victim Support offers emotional and practical support for victims of crime. They will not prosecute the neighbour.

Practical guidance

• 999 if threatened now or violence is happening.
• 101 / online reporting for non emergency threats with your evidence pack.
• Council ASB team with the crime reference if you have one.
• Citizens Advice Adviceline 0800 144 8848 for civil next steps once safe.
• Victim Support: victimsupport.org.uk.
• Ask the Shaman: free door routing.

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