The powers library47 of 59 Public order and ASB

Community protection notices

s.43Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014

A constable or council officer may serve a notice requiring a person aged 16 or over, or a body, to stop or put right persistent, unreasonable conduct that is harming the quality of life of those in the locality, once a written warning has been ignored.

Community protection notices · Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, s.43Card 47 / 59

When you can use it

s.43(1)The recipient is an individual aged 16 or over, or a body
s.43(1)(a)Satisfied on reasonable grounds that their conduct is having a detrimental effect, of a persistent or continuing nature, on the quality of life of those in the locality
s.43(1)(b)Satisfied on reasonable grounds that the conduct is unreasonable
s.43(5)(a)A written warning has been given that a notice will be issued unless the conduct stops having that effect
s.43(5)(b)Satisfied that, despite having had enough time to deal with it, the conduct is still having that effect
s.43(4)Each requirement is reasonable to prevent, reduce or reduce the risk of the detrimental effect continuing or recurring
s.43(6)Before issuing, inform any body or individual you think appropriate

What it allows

Impose requirements to stop doing specified things, to do specified things, or to take reasonable steps to achieve specified results (s.43(3)).
Set periods or deadlines for doing things (s.43(8)).
Where the problem comes from the condition or use of premises and the occupier (or owner, if unoccupied) cannot be traced after reasonable enquiries, post the notice on the premises and enter them as far as reasonably necessary to do so (s.45).

Key definitions

Conduct – s.57: includes a failure to act.
Premises – s.57: includes any land.
Conduct of an occupier – s.44: conduct on or affecting premises is treated as that of the person who owns, leases, occupies, controls, operates or maintains them, unless they cannot reasonably be expected to control or affect it.

Safeguards

The notice must identify the conduct and explain the effect of ss.46–51 (s.43(7)).
Serve it by hand, by leaving it at the person’s proper address or by post (s.55).
The recipient may appeal to a magistrates’ court within 21 days of issue. During an appeal, requirements to stop doing things stay in force unless the court orders otherwise; all other requirements are suspended (s.46).

Good to know

Failing to comply without taking all reasonable steps or having a reasonable excuse is a summary offence: a level 4 fine for an individual, an unlimited fine for a body (s.48). On conviction the court may make a remedial order (s.49) or order forfeiture of an item used (s.50).
A justice may issue a warrant for a constable or designated person to enter premises within 14 days and seize an item used in the offence, using reasonable force if necessary (s.51).
A fixed penalty notice may be offered instead. No proceedings for 14 days (s.52).
Recent change: the Crime and Policing Act 2026 raised the maximum fixed penalty from £100 to £500 (s.4(3), amending s.52(7)), in force from 26 October 2026.
Exam trap: no written warning, no notice. The age floor is 16, not 10.

Legislation: Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, s.43 (opens legislation.gov.uk in a new tab)
Who can use it: A constable, the relevant local authority or a person it designates
Last checked: 3 November 2026, against the current law on legislation.gov.uk

Community protection notices: questions people ask

When can the police use community protection notices?

1. The recipient is an individual aged 16 or over, or a body 2. Satisfied on reasonable grounds that their conduct is having a detrimental effect, of a persistent or continuing nature, on the quality of life of those in the locality 3. Satisfied on reasonable grounds that the conduct is unreasonable 4. A written warning has been given that a notice will be issued unless the conduct stops having that effect 5. Satisfied that, despite having had enough time to deal with it, the conduct is still having that effect 6. Each requirement is reasonable to prevent, reduce or reduce the risk of the detrimental effect continuing or recurring 7. Before issuing, inform any body or individual you think appropriate

Who can use community protection notices?

A constable, the relevant local authority or a person it designates.

What law gives the power for community protection notices?

Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, s.43.

More public order and anti-social behaviour powers

All public order and anti-social behaviour powers