Police will be forced to deal with anti-social behaviour if five households in one area complain about another resident the government has announced.

Home Secretary Theresa May said that a "community trigger" would prevent "horror stories of victims reporting the same problem over again".

The announcement on anti-social behaviour is in response to calls for the system to be changed  when Fiona Pilkington herself and her 18 year old disabled daughter Francecca Hardwick following repeated harassment by youngsters.

Ms Pilkington had complained to the police at least 33 times about the treatment she and her daughter were suffering, which included their home being pelted with stones and eggs.

Under the new scheme, which pilots this summer, authorities will be forced to act if people in five separate households complain about a neighbour causing problems, such a noise or threatening behaviour. Ms May continued that antisocial behaviour "can destroy a victim's quality of life and shatter a community's trust in the police, that is why we proposed a community trigger as part of our reforms to anti-social behaviour laws".

If you are currently dealing with anti-social behaviour or nuisance from your neighbours our expert solicitors can help. Contact us by:

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