0:00:03 > 0:00:07All over the UK, millions of people just like you and me
0:00:07 > 0:00:11are being driven up the wall by anti-social nuisance noise.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14When I go to work I always feel stressed,
0:00:14 > 0:00:18I feel...I always feel angry at work.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21It really is stressful and irritating,
0:00:21 > 0:00:24and it makes you feel really frustrated.
0:00:24 > 0:00:26Persistent parties...
0:00:26 > 0:00:29aggravating alarms...
0:00:29 > 0:00:32and banging builders.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35They're keeping us awake, disturbing our peace and quiet
0:00:35 > 0:00:37and driving us to despair.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41I just feel very cross and angry and upset at the moment.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44When you wake me up in the middle of the night at three o'clock,
0:00:44 > 0:00:47that's when I have to get in your face.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49But the fightback is on!
0:00:49 > 0:00:52We're getting complaints about the noise.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55Across the country dedicated enforcement teams are
0:00:55 > 0:00:59getting to grips with nuisance noise 24/7.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03If you then do the same thing, you will commit an offence.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06The people who make the noise, if it is an issue, might
0:01:06 > 0:01:10want to know why we're there, feel justified in what they were doing.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13They may feel that they're being antagonised.
0:01:13 > 0:01:17Enough is enough. It's time to put an end to nuisance noise.
0:01:17 > 0:01:22A good outcome in this case would be first to seize the equipment.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25It's time to meet the no-nonsense Noise Squad.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42Cracking down on nuisance noise today...
0:01:42 > 0:01:43We're on the night shift
0:01:43 > 0:01:48in Westminster with Noise Officer George Christian, tackling a party
0:01:48 > 0:01:51that's keeping neighbours awake until five in the morning.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53What you're doing is selfish and unacceptable.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55Make sure that music doesn't go on again.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59In York, we join officers on the day shift as they take action
0:01:59 > 0:02:03against a persistent offender who refuses to pipe down.
0:02:03 > 0:02:04HE SHOUTS
0:02:04 > 0:02:08If there's sufficient evidence to show that a nuisance has been
0:02:08 > 0:02:12caused last night, then I'll go to court and get a warrant to
0:02:12 > 0:02:15enter his property and seize the noise making equipment.
0:02:15 > 0:02:20And an unusual problem has led this couple to the end of their tether.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24Well, we've had to put it up for sale because, you know,
0:02:24 > 0:02:29we can't get anybody to understand what it's like.
0:02:29 > 0:02:30It's driving us away.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36One of the biggest complaints to most noise teams across the UK
0:02:36 > 0:02:39are about problems with noisy neighbours.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42It can be like hell, like a war zone.
0:02:42 > 0:02:47My partner vocalises her anger in a more obvious way than I do.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51A few year ago, people had respect for people's sleep time and that.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55Now it seems to be right through the night into the early hours.
0:02:55 > 0:02:57Whether it be banging doors,
0:02:57 > 0:03:01shouting or loud music, being disturbed in our own homes
0:03:01 > 0:03:04drives tens of thousands of us to despair every year.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08Persistent noise can literally drive you mental.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12I kept asking them to stop it, but it was just happening over and over.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14Driving me insane, basically.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17As the busiest noise squad in the country, the Westminster team
0:03:17 > 0:03:21are used to dealing with neighbours who turn the volume up too loud.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25And they're on hand 24/7 to deal with any problems.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28I'm from Westminster City Council Noise Team.
0:03:28 > 0:03:29I'm George, from the Noise Team.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31Hello?
0:03:31 > 0:03:34It's the Noise Team from Westminster City Council.
0:03:34 > 0:03:39George Christian has worked for the council's Noise Team for three years.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42Tonight he's on shift with his colleague Kevin.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44So what is the situation like at the moment?
0:03:44 > 0:03:47See the light? Think there's a fire alarm.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50The lads are on their way to investigate a complaint
0:03:50 > 0:03:53that's been called in about a noisy neighbour.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57It's a lady saying that she's basically fed up of the music
0:03:57 > 0:04:01that her neighbour's playing, she's saying it's going on now.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05George and Kevin head inside.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07The lady doesn't want to be on camera,
0:04:07 > 0:04:11but is keen to tell the lads what's been going on.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13How many times have you complained to us?
0:04:13 > 0:04:17- I think more than 20.- More than 20.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21Because we're on the road, we don't have access to all the history.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23Did you say somebody served a notice?
0:04:23 > 0:04:26- I think so. You'll have to ask Richard.- Richard.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31It seems as though these noise makers could be repeat offenders.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34The complainant says that another member of the noise team has
0:04:34 > 0:04:38visited previously and served a notice on the neighbours.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41They have a legal obligation to quieten down.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45If they're still making noise, they could be taken to court and fined.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48Two days ago they had a party till four o'clock.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51I didn't complain cos they put the letter.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54They didn't tell you when they were going to stop?
0:04:54 > 0:04:58- No, they didn't say when they were going to stop.- That's a nuisance.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01This lady says she's not the only one being affected.
0:05:01 > 0:05:06Apparently, her children are too scared to sleep in their own beds.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08So, the noise is frightening them?
0:05:08 > 0:05:11It was quarter past ten, they didn't want to sleep.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13They thought somebody was knocking on the walls.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16George heads downstairs,
0:05:16 > 0:05:20and the booming bass can clearly be heard and felt.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22MUFFLED MUSIC
0:05:25 > 0:05:27The fireplace is vibrating.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31Having witnessed the noise and decided it's a nuisance,
0:05:31 > 0:05:32it's time to act.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34We need to speak to them right now, yeah?
0:05:39 > 0:05:41George knocks on the door.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48And it doesn't take long for someone to answer.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52Are you the tenant? Could you turn that down, please?
0:05:52 > 0:05:55That music is far too loud. You need to let people sleep.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59So I'm asking you not to repeat what you've just done.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02The noise maker is apparently throwing a birthday bash
0:06:02 > 0:06:05for his sister in his mother's home.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09But mum's the word. Apparently she's not here.
0:06:09 > 0:06:14If we get another call, we'll take things further. You may hear from us again.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18If there's any notices served previously there could be a problem.
0:06:18 > 0:06:19Bye for now.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23Having got the music turned down and explained
0:06:23 > 0:06:27the potential seriousness of the situation, George heads off.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29They said that they weren't aware of
0:06:29 > 0:06:33any previous paperwork having been served.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35I need to check the history of the address to find out
0:06:35 > 0:06:37if that is actually true.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40If there is paperwork that's been served and particularly
0:06:40 > 0:06:44if it's been served within the last 12 months, we may well be taking
0:06:44 > 0:06:48the occupier of this flat to court for breach of the abatement notice.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51Noise Officers are part of each council's
0:06:51 > 0:06:55Environmental Health Department and they have more powers
0:06:55 > 0:06:59than the police when it comes to dealing with nuisance noise.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03So if you've got a problem, don't call the cops,
0:07:03 > 0:07:07pick up the phone and speak to your local council.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11It's a busy night and George has another call to deal with.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18It's midnight and in this quiet mews, the peace and quiet is being
0:07:18 > 0:07:22shattered by the constant ringing from inside one of the houses.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27It's not clear why the alarm has gone off.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30There doesn't seem to be anybody at home.
0:07:30 > 0:07:35The owners or occupiers probably have gone on holiday.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37With no sign of the home owners,
0:07:37 > 0:07:40Kevin serves a noise abatement notice.
0:07:40 > 0:07:44If the alarm isn't stopped the team could break in and turn it off.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48But to do that they need to have served the notice first.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50With years of experience on the job,
0:07:50 > 0:07:53this case is ringing alarm bells for George.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56He's concerned it could be a fire alarm.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00I've informed the Fire Brigade, so they'll make sure
0:08:00 > 0:08:02there isn't anything sinister going on inside.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08Something could be smouldering away in there, and if that's so,
0:08:08 > 0:08:10they'll detect it. So our job is done,
0:08:10 > 0:08:14but we need to make sure that that notice is complied with,
0:08:14 > 0:08:16so there will be some follow-up.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19And follow-up there was.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22The next day, George's colleagues tracked down a keyholder
0:08:22 > 0:08:24and the alarm was switched off.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28It's a busy night for George and Kevin.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31We'll be back with them shortly as they deal with
0:08:31 > 0:08:36some rowdy revellers keeping people awake with some alfresco singing.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40I've heard worse, but it's obviously disturbing somebody.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45And they're called back to the lady who complained
0:08:45 > 0:08:48about a party in her neighbours' flat.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50It's keeping her awake until almost dawn
0:08:50 > 0:08:52and she's at the end of her tether.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56I don't know what to do with those people any more. I'm tired.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13Every month, the York Noise Squad deal with around 200 complaints
0:09:13 > 0:09:17about anti-social nuisance noise.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20Noise can be a statutory nuisance any time of day.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23The assessment was the noise from here was too loud at that time.
0:09:23 > 0:09:28- We've had complaints. - That it's a bit noisy. - Not a bit noisy, excessively noisy.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31Most are dealt with with verbal and written warnings
0:09:31 > 0:09:33and abatement notices.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35We're going to send you a warning letter out
0:09:35 > 0:09:39and so hopefully we won't get any more complaints.
0:09:39 > 0:09:44When there's a serious problem and a noise maker just won't put a sock in it though,
0:09:44 > 0:09:47officers have the power to seize noisy possessions.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51We're here regarding breach of an abatement notice, so...
0:09:51 > 0:09:55- Breach of what?- An abatement notice. We're here to seize some equipment
0:09:55 > 0:09:58because an offence was committed over the weekend.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07Today, Craig Delorenzo of the York noise team has received
0:10:07 > 0:10:11a complaint about a persistent nuisance noisemaker.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14I can be there in two minutes.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17All right, see you then. Thanks. Bye.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20This morning we received a message from
0:10:20 > 0:10:24a complainant who has called a number of times before.
0:10:24 > 0:10:29They've complained about loud music and singing from the neighbour,
0:10:29 > 0:10:34and also there's a lot of anti-social behaviour going on with this.
0:10:34 > 0:10:39Myself and my colleague have already witnessed a statutory nuisance
0:10:39 > 0:10:42and because of that, we've served an abatement notice
0:10:42 > 0:10:45ordering the neighbour to not cause a nuisance.
0:10:45 > 0:10:51The complainant said that they were kept up all night by his loud music
0:10:51 > 0:10:54and we could actually hear the noise on
0:10:54 > 0:10:58the answer machine, so for that to happen it must have been very noisy.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01Normally we can't pick up that sort of noise.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04Craig and one of his colleagues served this noise maker with
0:11:04 > 0:11:07an abatement notice about three weeks ago.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11If it's being breached he can take further action
0:11:11 > 0:11:12to quieten things down.
0:11:12 > 0:11:17Today I'm going to go and take a statement from the complainant
0:11:17 > 0:11:21with a view that if there's sufficient evidence to show
0:11:21 > 0:11:24that a nuisance has been caused last night, I'll go to court
0:11:24 > 0:11:28and get a warrant to enter his property and seize
0:11:28 > 0:11:32noise making equipment, so take his stereos and anything else that
0:11:32 > 0:11:36I feel caused the offence during the early hours of this morning.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39Craig heads off.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41The complainant's home is just around the corner
0:11:41 > 0:11:46and when he arrives, he heads inside to take a statement.
0:11:46 > 0:11:51The noise maker, meanwhile, pops his head out to say hello.
0:11:51 > 0:11:52HE SHOUTS
0:11:52 > 0:11:57Now it could be me, but I suspect this gent has had a sherry or two.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59BLEEP.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03A short while later, Craig comes back out with an update.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07So I've just taken a statement from the complainant in regards
0:12:07 > 0:12:09to the incidents last night.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12Pretty much disturbed until six o'clock in the morning
0:12:12 > 0:12:16from midnight, so quite a serious noise incident last night.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19So I'll go back and report that to my manager
0:12:19 > 0:12:22with a view to go to the court and get a warrant.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28As Craig heads back to the office, the complainant has come out
0:12:28 > 0:12:31to tell him the music is back on, so he heads back to the property.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37MUSIC PLAYS
0:12:51 > 0:12:56Once inside, Craig hears the noise maker play the same song
0:12:56 > 0:12:59not once, not twice, but three times.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08Having witnessed a breach of the abatement notice,
0:13:08 > 0:13:12Craig will add his evidence when he applies for a warrant to
0:13:12 > 0:13:16seize possessions that the noise maker could have been using to
0:13:16 > 0:13:17make the nuisance noise.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21Back at base, he's putting together the paperwork.
0:13:21 > 0:13:27I've just created the required documentation to get a warrant
0:13:27 > 0:13:34to enter the property that I went to see earlier, for the noise nuisance.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36What this warrant will allow us to do
0:13:36 > 0:13:40is enter into the perpetrator's property
0:13:40 > 0:13:45and seize stereos, should the magistrates decide to grant it.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48Once we've got the warrant and we're executing it,
0:13:48 > 0:13:51we will call the police for back up because there is
0:13:51 > 0:13:57a potential for the perpetrator to be agitated and kick off today.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00Before Craig meets a magistrate to try and get a warrant,
0:14:00 > 0:14:04he has to get the application signed off by the head of service.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08I've witnessed a breach of his abatement notice as well.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12Mike's not here, Anne's not here. So I want to go and get a warrant.
0:14:16 > 0:14:21So I've just had a chat with the head of service
0:14:21 > 0:14:25about the warrant and things, and he's approved it for seizure,
0:14:25 > 0:14:29so I'll just be getting on with that for the rest of the afternoon.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33Seizing possessions is a big step and the team only use it
0:14:33 > 0:14:37as a last resort when people refuse to pipe down.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41In this case, the noise maker has received plenty of warnings.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45I have visited him before and discussed the noise complaints
0:14:45 > 0:14:49and he was very civil with me and said that he would address
0:14:49 > 0:14:53the problems and seemed to take it on board.
0:14:53 > 0:14:58But since then we've had problems, late at night, where he's had
0:14:58 > 0:15:01no respect for neighbours and played music until the early hours.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07Later that afternoon, with the paperwork complete,
0:15:07 > 0:15:09Craig heads off to apply for a warrant.
0:15:10 > 0:15:15A good outcome in this case would be for us to seize the equipment
0:15:15 > 0:15:20and for the perpetrator to consider that this is causing someone
0:15:20 > 0:15:26a real problem and take action to prevent it from happening again.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30In the short term, we hope to resolve the noise problem,
0:15:30 > 0:15:34but in the long term we want them to take responsibility for it.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36This is the moment of truth for Craig.
0:15:36 > 0:15:41He's got strong evidence to get the warrant he needs to seize
0:15:41 > 0:15:45the equipment the noise maker could be using to make the nuisance noise.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49But if the magistrate disagrees, it's back to the drawing board
0:15:49 > 0:15:51and he'll have to gather more evidence.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59This is usually a quick job,
0:15:59 > 0:16:03but over an hour later there's no sign of Craig.
0:16:05 > 0:16:11After almost an hour and a half, he emerges with the verdict.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13The message hadn't got through that we needed
0:16:13 > 0:16:16to come and get the warrant, so they had to fit us in towards
0:16:16 > 0:16:21the end of their court day today, so that's why it took so long.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24But they were quite happy with the evidence that
0:16:24 > 0:16:27I presented towards them and they gave the warrant completely.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32Craig might have the warrant,
0:16:32 > 0:16:35but he still has to seize the noisy possessions and we'll be
0:16:35 > 0:16:40with him and the police as they go to knock on the noise maker's door.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44If you're in there, we've got a warrant to enter the property.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47So we'll come in if you don't answer the door.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59In Westminster, noise enforcement officer George Christian
0:16:59 > 0:17:02and his colleague Kevin are on their way to investigate a complaint
0:17:02 > 0:17:07about noisy neighbours, and when they arrive, the problem is easy to hear.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10LOUD SINGING: "Flower Of Scotland"
0:17:16 > 0:17:19Right, it's two o'clock on a Monday morning and we've had
0:17:19 > 0:17:24a complaint about a loud party at this address right in front of me.
0:17:24 > 0:17:29So I'm arriving now. I can see two windows open on the second floor,
0:17:29 > 0:17:32and what sounds like some traditional Scottish singing.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36I've heard worse, but it's obviously disturbing somebody.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38I think he's being kind.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41I don't think Rod Stewart has too much to worry about.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55- Hello?- Yeah, hello, it's the noise team from Westminster City Council.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58- Yeah?- Could we have a word?
0:17:58 > 0:18:01- Erm, possibly.- Thank you.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05George has got the attention of these a capella artists.
0:18:05 > 0:18:10But despite asking them to come down for a chat, he and Kevin wait...
0:18:10 > 0:18:12and wait...
0:18:12 > 0:18:15and wait.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19Perhaps these performers have got stage fright.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21They've all gone really shy all of a sudden.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24After a while, someone comes down to face the music.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31Hello there. I'm from Westminster City Council.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35We've had complaints from some of the residents about the
0:18:35 > 0:18:37little party you're having up there.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41Has it not occurred to you that it might be disturbing anybody?
0:18:41 > 0:18:44Well, if it is they can tell us.
0:18:44 > 0:18:49Well, it's two in the morning. Is it right that they should have to come and ring the bell
0:18:49 > 0:18:52cos you're doing something that you shouldn't be doing anyway?
0:18:52 > 0:18:55Well, that's up to them.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58I think it's fair to say that this gentlemen isn't taking
0:18:58 > 0:19:01criticism of his performance too well.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03Are you the resident?
0:19:03 > 0:19:07- There are a number of residents. - Could you get them all down here then, please?- No.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11Not only does this singer refuse to get the rest of the band down for a chat,
0:19:11 > 0:19:15he's not being particularly co-operative full stop.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18Can I just take your name?
0:19:18 > 0:19:20No, I'm not prepared to give my name.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22And he has question...
0:19:22 > 0:19:25OK, this notice is with immediate effect.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28- What does it require? - Just that you abate the nuisance.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30..after question...
0:19:30 > 0:19:33- What nuisance?- The nuisance I've just described to you,
0:19:33 > 0:19:37the loud music and singing with the windows wide open.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39..after question.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43- What's the period of the notice? - It lasts indefinitely.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46What, so, for 100 years?
0:19:46 > 0:19:51Well, yeah, in theory. Although we won't be pursuing you in 100 years.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53- Yes, I'll be dead by then.- Yeah.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56What the notice does, it puts a prohibition on you
0:19:56 > 0:19:59so it prohibits you from causing any further nuisance.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02So there's no offence as yet. But if you then go upstairs
0:20:02 > 0:20:06and do the same thing, you will be committing an offence.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08- All right?- If you say so.
0:20:08 > 0:20:09I do say so.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12George is being patient but he's a busy man
0:20:12 > 0:20:17and has other calls to attend to and needs to get on. Time to take action.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20Right, so that's the notice served on you now.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24Thank you very much.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27Message delivered, let's hope it was understood.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30Right, I'll leave you to digest that, OK. Thank you.
0:20:30 > 0:20:35Different councils deal with nuisance noise in different ways.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38Here in Westminster, having witnessed a problem,
0:20:38 > 0:20:41George has served this noise maker with an abatement notice.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45This gives them a legal requirement to quieten down.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47If they don't and George and his colleagues witness
0:20:47 > 0:20:51any further problems, they can be taken to court and fined.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57It might not seem like the most serious case of nuisance noise,
0:20:57 > 0:20:59but if you were trying to get to sleep in the early hours
0:20:59 > 0:21:02it would be pretty annoying.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04And this sing-along could prove pretty costly
0:21:04 > 0:21:06if there's a repeat performance.
0:21:06 > 0:21:11If he ignores the notice and if he plays loud music or does
0:21:11 > 0:21:15anything of that sort of nature again, what will happen is
0:21:15 > 0:21:19he'll be guilty of an offence so we can then prosecute him.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25A firm word was all that was needed to quieten the late night sing-along,
0:21:25 > 0:21:27but things are about to get more serious.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29We'll be with George and Kevin
0:21:29 > 0:21:32as they're called back to the lady they visited earlier.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36The music she complained about is back on and she's at her wits' end.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39It's five o'clock in the morning and I'm still up.
0:21:39 > 0:21:44Three times I've put the kids up and down from their bed.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47And in York, the team go to seize the noisy equipment
0:21:47 > 0:21:50of a persistent nuisance noise maker.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54Can you come to the door, please? It's the Council.
0:22:07 > 0:22:12In York, Michael from the council's noise enforcement team is
0:22:12 > 0:22:15on his way to investigate a bit of an unusual case.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19We've had a complaint in about wind chimes which are apparently
0:22:19 > 0:22:23causing nuisance to people. They are metallic chimes,
0:22:23 > 0:22:27so it could be the wind whistling through and being very loud.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30We have to go down and see whether there's any
0:22:30 > 0:22:34legal action we can take in regard to a statutory nuisance.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37It's hard to know what we're going to go into with this one,
0:22:37 > 0:22:40because although it's people arguing about each other's actions,
0:22:40 > 0:22:44what you've really got to consider is that the people
0:22:44 > 0:22:47who are making the noise, if it is an issue, might want to know
0:22:47 > 0:22:51why we're there, feel that they're justified in what they were doing.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55They may feel that they're being antagonised themselves.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58When he arrives on site, Michael heads in to see the couple
0:22:58 > 0:23:02who called to make the complaint and explains what he needs to do.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05Hiya. I'll make an assessment in here and outside,
0:23:05 > 0:23:09and have a sit and a listen and make a few notes.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13Noise can be a nuisance at any time of the day
0:23:13 > 0:23:16and it's not just the decibel level that's important.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19WIND CHIMES TINKLE
0:23:23 > 0:23:27Anything that's out of the ordinary, and in the officer's opinion
0:23:27 > 0:23:31could prevent someone from enjoying their home, can be a nuisance.
0:23:40 > 0:23:46Wind chimes might not seem like the most likely cause of nuisance noise
0:23:46 > 0:23:48but it's clear that this couple are more than a bit
0:23:48 > 0:23:50fed up of listening to them.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54Well, we've had to put it up for sale
0:23:54 > 0:23:59because we can't get anybody to understand what it's like.
0:23:59 > 0:24:00It's driving us away.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04We've been in here when it's really warm because it's so annoying.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08We've had to have windows closed. It's been really hot in here.
0:24:09 > 0:24:13It's just beyond a joke. It's really stressing us both out.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18And that noise, constantly. I have tinnitus,
0:24:18 > 0:24:21so that noise is annoying to me.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24More so cos my ears are more sensitive.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26We go out all the time. We're going out now.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30We're going away for a fortnight because we've got to get away.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33We wouldn't be going away, but we have to,
0:24:33 > 0:24:35cos it's driving us insane.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38It is, honest. You've got to see it.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40It's all right people saying,
0:24:40 > 0:24:43"Oh, it's not bad, is that," but you've got to live it to see it.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47This is an unusual case for Michael and he's being very thorough
0:24:47 > 0:24:52before deciding whether or not the wind chimes could be nuisance.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55This is the first time I've had anything like this.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59Often it's just either one. Really, really unjustified,
0:24:59 > 0:25:03or a clear statutory nuisance or something like that,
0:25:03 > 0:25:06but this one isn't so clear cut.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08Is it reasonable for people to do what they're doing,
0:25:08 > 0:25:11to have wind chimes up? Yeah, maybe during the day.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14But is it reasonable for somebody to enjoy their property? Yes.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17Would this disturb that reasonable enjoyment?
0:25:17 > 0:25:19That's what I'm trying to assess.
0:25:19 > 0:25:24Whilst Michael's in the garden, the homeowners go out to join him.
0:25:26 > 0:25:31It's louder that you'd expect. The metal's resonating in the garden.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34It's difficult to say. It's...
0:25:36 > 0:25:39It may just be out of being a statutory nuisance,
0:25:39 > 0:25:41but it is annoying.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43You don't want to hear it and you can hear it.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46Having monitored the wind chimes from outside,
0:25:46 > 0:25:49Michael heads inside to have a listen in the lounge.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55Are these windows you normally have open, or...?
0:25:55 > 0:25:57- Well, we... - We normally have them all open.
0:25:57 > 0:26:02It's so warm, we could have these open and those open, you know...
0:26:02 > 0:26:06Could you open another window, please? It's very hot.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09Michael's asked for another window to be opened.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12He has to judge if the wind chimes would reasonably stop
0:26:12 > 0:26:15the homeowners from enjoying their property.
0:26:15 > 0:26:20As it's a warm day, it's reasonable for them to have their windows open.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28If it's blowing a gale, you can understand
0:26:28 > 0:26:30how noisy that would be. It'll never stop.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34Now it stops cos the wind's stopped, you know.
0:26:34 > 0:26:38He also wants to listen with the TV switched on.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53Having finished his monitoring, Michael has reached
0:26:53 > 0:26:56a decision about what action to take next.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58What I'm hearing has potential, I think,
0:26:58 > 0:27:01because it's audible inside here. It's very clear.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04Do you want to be hearing that? No.
0:27:04 > 0:27:08Is it annoying, is it a nuisance? I need to ascertain that.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11You're saying it's worse on windy days.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13That's something we need to witness as well.
0:27:13 > 0:27:19I'll go and speak to them now, and then we may need to make a further assessment.
0:27:19 > 0:27:24If we make a further assessment, it would be to see if it's a statutory nuisance or not.
0:27:24 > 0:27:25Particularly on a windier day.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28The York Noise Squad have already written to
0:27:28 > 0:27:31the owner of the wind chimes explaining that they've received
0:27:31 > 0:27:35a complaint and would monitor them over a four month period.
0:27:35 > 0:27:40Well, Michael's monitored them today and now it's time for a word.
0:27:40 > 0:27:45- Hi, Michael from the Environmental Protection Unit.- Right.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47But it's not going to be a quick one.
0:27:47 > 0:27:53I've made the assessment today. It's been quite loud and obtrusive in the house,
0:27:53 > 0:27:56therefore it may be something which could be a statutory nuisance.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00So I'm going to ask you to take them down, basically,
0:28:00 > 0:28:05because if we get called out again, we would then have to serve
0:28:05 > 0:28:09an abatement notice on you and if we serve an abatement notice on you
0:28:09 > 0:28:13and that's breached, it would then become a criminal offence.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16That's in four months' time, of course.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19No, no, that can be at any time. Once we've sent you the letter,
0:28:19 > 0:28:26- and you've received that and you understand...- But the assessment's done over four months.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30No, the letter states that we may assess you over a period of four months.
0:28:30 > 0:28:34That can be at any time during those four months. We've made an assessment today.
0:28:34 > 0:28:38There seems to be a little confusion about the letter this gentlemen's received
0:28:38 > 0:28:42but Michael's explained the position very clearly,
0:28:42 > 0:28:46so problem solved, right? Not exactly.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49How do you assess the noise from the wind chimes?
0:28:49 > 0:28:53We'll sit in the person's property, we'll make an assessment from there.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56- It's not registered on any meter, or...- No, it doesn't have to be.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59No, so that car going past is noisier than my wind chimes.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03The motorbike that went past earlier was a lot noisier.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05How do you assess that that's noisier than machinery?
0:29:05 > 0:29:12It doesn't need to be noisy, just something which is a nuisance.
0:29:12 > 0:29:13It could be noise,
0:29:13 > 0:29:17it could be something which is constantly going on.
0:29:17 > 0:29:23- This has been constantly blowing for 50 minutes.- Only while the wind's blowing, not mechanical.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25Yes, and that's the issue.
0:29:25 > 0:29:29The gentleman's question is a reasonable one, and he tells Michael
0:29:29 > 0:29:32he's spent quite a lot of money on the wind chimes and isn't
0:29:32 > 0:29:36going to take them down without an abatement notice being served.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40All I want from the Council is a written report that says it
0:29:40 > 0:29:43exceeds the noise requirements, then I will use the council's
0:29:43 > 0:29:47report to go to the County Court and seek a judgement to claim back
0:29:47 > 0:29:49the money I've paid for them, cos there's no warning
0:29:49 > 0:29:54on any packaging to say that these breach any noise abatement rules.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57I'm not just going to put them in the drawer.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00Whatever this gent wants to do in the future to try
0:30:00 > 0:30:03and get his money back is up to him. The fact is the wind chimes
0:30:03 > 0:30:05are a potential noise nuisance
0:30:05 > 0:30:09and sooner or later they're going to have to come down.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13That was interesting. Wind chimes are normally quite relaxing
0:30:13 > 0:30:16except these ones are going into somebody else's property,
0:30:16 > 0:30:20into their lounge, in their kitchen and you can hear it over the TV.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22Over time, that's going to be a nuisance.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24I can see the other people's perspective,
0:30:24 > 0:30:28that they've put up wind chimes. But they may be a statutory nuisance.
0:30:28 > 0:30:33He's refusing to take it down, but only until he gets the notice.
0:30:33 > 0:30:35Once he gets the notice, that might change things
0:30:35 > 0:30:38and then you take it from there, really.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41Since Michael's visit, the owners of the wind chimes have agreed
0:30:41 > 0:30:45to take them down, and this case is closed.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53In Westminster, George Christian
0:30:53 > 0:30:58and his colleague Kevin are working a busy nightshift.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00They're responding to a complaint
0:31:00 > 0:31:04about a noisy birthday bash that they were called out to earlier in the night.
0:31:06 > 0:31:10George thinks an abatement notice has been served on the property,
0:31:10 > 0:31:11but he can't be sure.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15We've not managed to get back into the office to check
0:31:15 > 0:31:18the history of this particular address.
0:31:18 > 0:31:23So I don't actually know if any previous notices have been served
0:31:23 > 0:31:25or what the full situation is.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30First they go to the visit the lady who's called them back.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33She's had a very long night.
0:31:33 > 0:31:37It's five o'clock in the morning and I'm still up.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40Three times I've put the kids up and down from the bed.
0:31:40 > 0:31:45I don't know what to do with those people any more. I really am tired.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48It's five o'clock in the morning.
0:31:48 > 0:31:50OK, I'll speak to them again.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53Like I say, I think there's been a notice served.
0:31:53 > 0:31:57If there hasn't, they will get one but if there is a notice served...
0:31:57 > 0:32:02Every time somebody's come here, they say a notice will be served,
0:32:02 > 0:32:03it's not been served.
0:32:03 > 0:32:07Well, if it's been served they've got a problem.
0:32:07 > 0:32:12They're going to wake up in a minute! What can I do all day, now?
0:32:13 > 0:32:16OK, well, leave it with me and I'll speak to them again.
0:32:16 > 0:32:21George heads out, and he's going to bring this anti-social behaviour
0:32:21 > 0:32:22to a swift end.
0:32:25 > 0:32:29When someone comes to the door, they tell George the party host is
0:32:29 > 0:32:32no longer here, and is nowhere to be seen.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35But that's not going to stop him bringing this party to an end.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38It's five o'clock in the morning, right?
0:32:38 > 0:32:41What you're doing is selfish and unacceptable.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43George wants this music to stop.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47Common sense should tell you, if I knock on your door before midnight
0:32:47 > 0:32:52to tell you the music is too loud, it must not get to that level again.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55Make sure that music doesn't go on again.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59The person I spoke to, actually, before midnight,
0:32:59 > 0:33:03is no longer on the premises and I've been told
0:33:03 > 0:33:06that there was a family emergency and he had to attend to it.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09Whether that's the case or not, I don't know.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12But I've told them to turn the music off.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14I will check the history and
0:33:14 > 0:33:18if there is any previous notices served we'll be taking
0:33:18 > 0:33:21further action and the premises may also be
0:33:21 > 0:33:23subject to a seizure of equipment.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28Once back in the office, George wastes no time checking the records
0:33:28 > 0:33:31for any history of complaints about loud music
0:33:31 > 0:33:33coming from this basement flat.
0:33:34 > 0:33:38It does appear that there is a Section 80 Noise Abatement Notice
0:33:38 > 0:33:44in force that was actually served in September 2010.
0:33:44 > 0:33:46There is an offence there.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49So we will be looking to put a prosecution file
0:33:49 > 0:33:52together for that and send that to our legal team.
0:33:52 > 0:33:56It's quite serious potentially, and it could result in a court summons.
0:33:59 > 0:34:01It's been a busy shift for the lads
0:34:01 > 0:34:04and George is looking forward to a well-earned rest.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07It's been a productive shift, we've covered a lot of ground,
0:34:07 > 0:34:10been to a lot of places and heard a lot of noise,
0:34:10 > 0:34:11and it's all been dealt with.
0:34:11 > 0:34:15I'm feeling absolutely knackered right now.
0:34:15 > 0:34:21It's been a busy bank-holiday weekend shift
0:34:21 > 0:34:25and I really do feel like I just need to sleep.
0:34:25 > 0:34:30If you could conjure up a bed right now, I'd fall into it happily.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34A few weeks later, George is on the dayshift and he's heading out
0:34:34 > 0:34:38to follow up on the case of the noisy basement neighbours.
0:34:38 > 0:34:42We did serve a noise abatement notice some time ago,
0:34:42 > 0:34:45and I want to know if she acknowledges that.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48If she doesn't, I can always serve her with one
0:34:48 > 0:34:52here and now, just so that she's aware of her responsibilities.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56The original abatement notice was served on
0:34:56 > 0:35:00the owner/occupier of the flat in September 2010 as there was
0:35:00 > 0:35:02no-one in when an officer went to serve it.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07Because of a legal problem the council aren't in a position
0:35:07 > 0:35:11to prosecute yet, so George is going to serve this notice in person
0:35:11 > 0:35:15on the mother of the guy who was having the party.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19Frustratingly there's no-one in.
0:35:20 > 0:35:21No, nobody home.
0:35:21 > 0:35:25Whilst he's here though George decides to check in with
0:35:25 > 0:35:29the complainant to see if there's been any more problems.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34Just wondered how things have been since last time I came.
0:35:34 > 0:35:36There was only two times, music.
0:35:36 > 0:35:41Twice. You've called us. Did you call us? OK.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43Do you ever see a lady there? An older lady? She's...
0:35:43 > 0:35:45There's no-one.
0:35:45 > 0:35:49I'm not sure if they're living all together, cos they come and go.
0:35:49 > 0:35:53- The father and the mother.- If you have a problem make sure you phone.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56As long as we know there's a problem, we'll try to deal with it.
0:35:56 > 0:36:00We won't let it rest, anyway. OK? Have a good evening. Bye, now.
0:36:01 > 0:36:05This is a tricky case, but George doesn't give in easily.
0:36:08 > 0:36:13Second visit this weekend to try and track down the person that
0:36:13 > 0:36:15I believe to be the occupier.
0:36:15 > 0:36:19Once again, she's not there. So I'll keep calling there.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21I'd quite like to serve her personally with a
0:36:21 > 0:36:25noise abatement notice, so if there's any further problems
0:36:25 > 0:36:27there's no get-out clause for her at all.
0:36:27 > 0:36:31Since George's visit, a noise abatement notice has been
0:36:31 > 0:36:34served on the woman who lives in the flat.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39If there are any more problems with nuisance noise at this
0:36:39 > 0:36:42property the occupiers will be looking at a date in court,
0:36:42 > 0:36:46a fine and the possible seizure of any noise making equipment.
0:36:55 > 0:37:00In York, Craig Delorenzo of the council's noise squad has got
0:37:00 > 0:37:05a warrant to seize the possessions of a persistent nuisance noise maker,
0:37:05 > 0:37:07who just won't keep it down.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09MUSIC PLAYS
0:37:10 > 0:37:14Despite numerous warnings, he's playing his music too loud
0:37:14 > 0:37:17and it's disturbing his neighbours.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21So, armed with a warrant, Craig's about to head off to seize
0:37:21 > 0:37:23anything that could make the nuisance noise.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27It's a bit of a quick turnaround today.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30We've witnessed the noise, gone to get a warrant,
0:37:30 > 0:37:34and we're executing the warrant all in one day.
0:37:34 > 0:37:38So it's a bit quick resolution today, but hopefully a good one.
0:37:40 > 0:37:44He sets off from Noise Squad HQ to meet some of his colleagues
0:37:44 > 0:37:46who will help him with the seizure.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49It looks like everyone else has already arrived,
0:37:49 > 0:37:51so I'll just go and speak with them.
0:37:51 > 0:37:56The police will also be giving the team some back up to make sure
0:37:56 > 0:37:58that things don't get out of hand.
0:37:58 > 0:38:02- Have you done one of these before? - Yes.
0:38:02 > 0:38:06So we've got a warrant and we're just going to see if he's in,
0:38:06 > 0:38:10and if not, we've got some keys here to let ourselves in.
0:38:10 > 0:38:14With everyone ready for action it's time to knock on
0:38:14 > 0:38:15the noise maker's door.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21If he's not in, the team have a warrant which gives them
0:38:21 > 0:38:23the power to enter the property.
0:38:25 > 0:38:29But before they do that, they want to make sure they've done
0:38:29 > 0:38:32everything possible to find out whether or not he's at home.
0:38:32 > 0:38:36If you're in, can you come to the door, please? It's the council.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44We've got a warrant to enter the property.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47We'll come in if you don't answer the door.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50With no response and no sign of the noise maker,
0:38:50 > 0:38:54Craig and the team decide to enter the premises. But there's a problem.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01There's a key in the other side of the door.
0:39:01 > 0:39:03Time for plan B.
0:39:03 > 0:39:08We'll go round the back. He might have another key for that.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13So he's not answered the door so what we've got is a key to
0:39:13 > 0:39:15enter the property round the back.
0:39:15 > 0:39:20The front door's got a key in it, so we can't get in that way.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25And the bad news is they can't get through this door either,
0:39:25 > 0:39:28which would give them access to the back of the cottage.
0:39:28 > 0:39:30I'm not sure we can get in that way.
0:39:30 > 0:39:34Craig's determined to deal with this noise maker though.
0:39:34 > 0:39:39It doesn't take him long to get hold of the key he needs to get into the rear courtyard,
0:39:39 > 0:39:44where the team will be able to enter the property through the back door.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46That's all right, we've got a key now.
0:39:51 > 0:39:52Success.
0:39:52 > 0:39:56The team move in but they're still not sure
0:39:56 > 0:39:59whether or not the noise maker's at home, so the police go in with them.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04Our camera isn't allowed on to the property.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07But a short while later the team emerge
0:40:07 > 0:40:12and they've seized anything that could be used to play loud music.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22We've got the equipment which could have been used in the offence
0:40:22 > 0:40:25so hopefully it doesn't cause any problems in the future
0:40:25 > 0:40:29and we don't have any further noise abatement notice breaches.
0:40:29 > 0:40:31- Thanks a lot.- Bye!
0:40:31 > 0:40:34It's been a whirlwind day, for the York Noise Squad.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37Craig visited the complainant this morning
0:40:37 > 0:40:43and now just a few hours later, the team have completed the seizure.
0:40:43 > 0:40:47We've got in really easily, we've come out without any drama.
0:40:47 > 0:40:49We've seized the CD player, the TV, things which
0:40:49 > 0:40:52may have been used in the offence and hopefully
0:40:52 > 0:40:55that'll bring quietness for the people who complained,
0:40:55 > 0:40:59and obviously it's a consequence to somebody's actions.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01It's easier if the perpetrator's not in
0:41:01 > 0:41:04when we go round to seize the equipment.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07There's less argy bargy about us taking the equipment
0:41:07 > 0:41:10and it lets us just get on and do our job.
0:41:13 > 0:41:15Back at base, Craig reports to his boss.
0:41:16 > 0:41:21So we took a CD player, a CD and his TV.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23OK, good work.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26And reflects on a job well done.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29The complainant briefly saw me just as I was leaving
0:41:29 > 0:41:32and really appreciative of our work. So that's given me
0:41:32 > 0:41:37a bit of a sense of achievement today and I'll go home happy.
0:41:40 > 0:41:41Nice one, Craig.
0:41:41 > 0:41:45It's been a busy day, but thanks to some decisive action hopefully the
0:41:45 > 0:41:50noise maker's neighbours can now look forward to a bit of peace and quiet.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59It's been a busy shift for the noise squad.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02We've got a warrant to enter the property!
0:42:02 > 0:42:04We'll come in if you don't answer the door.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07They've dealt with everything from noisy neighbours...
0:42:07 > 0:42:10We've seized the CD player, the TV, things that
0:42:10 > 0:42:12we believe have been used in the offence.
0:42:12 > 0:42:14Hopefully, that will bring some quietness
0:42:14 > 0:42:16for the people who've complained,
0:42:16 > 0:42:19and it's the consequence to somebody's actions.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21..to rowdy revellers.
0:42:21 > 0:42:25That music's far too loud. Make sure that music doesn't go on again.
0:42:25 > 0:42:29And a neighbourly dispute about wind chimes.
0:42:29 > 0:42:35It's driving us insane. It is, honest. You've got to see it.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38It's all right people coming and saying, "Oh, it's not bad,"
0:42:38 > 0:42:40but you've got to live it to see it.
0:42:40 > 0:42:44There's no let-up in the battle against anti-social nuisance noise,
0:42:44 > 0:42:49and plenty more cases still to be dealt with by the Noise Squad.
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0:43:08 > 0:43:11E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk