Petition · past parliament
Change the way the law/police deal with threatening & abusive neighbours
Rejected
21 signatures
What the petition asks
Allow police to take reasonable action to end abusive neighbour behaviours, the matter is seen as a civil dispute even though it can go on for years with people feeling trapped in their own home, even when evidence of the behaviour is provided little is done to protect the victim and their property
To bring in reasonable law to protect victims and have any abusive actions (both verbal and physical) by neighbours deemed a criminal offence, as in some cases it can lead to assault, property damage and loss of earnings, with many victims being able to provide years of this abuse as evidence the police often have little choice when it comes to taking action, there is no clear defence or support in place for the victims, the government needs to set out some clear actions and penalties
Why it was rejected
It was not clear what the petition asked the UK Government or Parliament to do.
Violent, abusive or threatening behaviour, harassment, breaching the peace, are already criminal matters about which the police can take action. The Metropolitan Police has published some guidance on disputes with neighbours, which sets out the types of disputes are likely to be a matter for the police: https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/asb/asb/antisocial-behaviour/disputes-with-neighbours/
If you want the Government to make other activities which might lead to neighbour disputes criminal, you could start a new petition requesting this, but would need to be clear what activities that are not already offences you would like to be made offences.
If you want the Government to make other activities which might lead to neighbour disputes criminal, you could start a new petition requesting this, but would need to be clear what activities that are not already offences you would like to be made offences.
Timeline
| 15 Apr 2020 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 18 Jun 2020 | Rejected by the Petitions Committee |
Key facts
Signatures
21
Status
Rejected
Rejected
18 Jun 2020
Follow this petition
Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.
Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.