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 > 0:00:14At times, you almost feel like you are going mad.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17A living nightmare. It's like I don't want to be there any more.
0:00:17 > 0:00:19Persistent parties...
0:00:19 > 0:00:22aggravating alarms...
0:00:22 > 0:00:25and banging builders...
0:00:25 > 0:00:30They're keeping us awake, disturbing our peace and quiet, and driving us to despair.
0:00:30 > 0:00:35You know, you can avert your eyes from things, but you can't shut your ears off.
0:00:35 > 0:00:36But the fight-back is on.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40Come down and speak to us, we're getting complaints about the noise.
0:00:40 > 0:00:47Across the country, dedicated enforcement teams are getting to grips with nuisance noise 24/7.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50Hello! Why is the building work going on on a Sunday?
0:00:50 > 0:00:53If you're here and have a notice, we could prosecute you.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57If we catch you working and drilling and things, we will prosecute you.
0:00:58 > 0:01:03Enough is enough. It's time to put an end to nuisance noise.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07It would definitely cause a noise nuisance to anyone in this room.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10It's time to meet the no-nonsense Noise Squad.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26The Noise Squad have their work cut out for them today,
0:01:26 > 0:01:32as a complainant is tearing his hair out because of his neighbour's loud music.
0:01:32 > 0:01:37When you wake me up in the middle of the night at three o'clock, that's when I get in your face.
0:01:37 > 0:01:43Officers are armed with a noise meter to try and catch a noisy dog in the act.
0:01:43 > 0:01:48I'll calibrate it and then I'll take a measurement with the dog barking.
0:01:48 > 0:01:53And they have a quiet word with a resident whose loud music is blaring into the street.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55LOUD MUSIC
0:01:55 > 0:01:58Keep the music in - I don't mind you having it on inside.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10For most of us, Sunday is a day of rest.
0:02:10 > 0:02:15A time to unwind, relax and recharge the batteries.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18The last things any of us want to hear are loud music...
0:02:18 > 0:02:21MUSIC BLARES
0:02:23 > 0:02:25..faulty alarms...
0:02:25 > 0:02:27ALARM WHINES
0:02:27 > 0:02:29..or noisy builders...
0:02:29 > 0:02:31LOUD DRILLING
0:02:31 > 0:02:36In Westminster, the Noise Squad are on call 24 hours a day,
0:02:36 > 0:02:41365 days a year, including Christmas Day.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45Kevin has worked for the council's Noise Team for one year
0:02:45 > 0:02:49and today he's battling his way through busy traffic to investigate
0:02:49 > 0:02:53a complaint about some builders who are allegedly making a right racket.
0:02:53 > 0:02:58Right now, I'm off to a jeweller's on Marylebone High Street.
0:02:58 > 0:03:03We received a complaint earlier that builders are working there today.
0:03:03 > 0:03:09It's illegal to carry out noisy, heavy building work on a Sunday without prior permission,
0:03:09 > 0:03:12and when Kevin arrives on site, it's clear that there's a problem.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15KNOCKING
0:03:20 > 0:03:22Hello?
0:03:25 > 0:03:28Why is the building work going on on Sunday?
0:03:28 > 0:03:31Why is it going on? We were told we could work on a Sunday.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33Who told you that?
0:03:33 > 0:03:34Our boss, basically.
0:03:34 > 0:03:40OK. I need to speak to your boss now and tell him you cannot work on a Sunday.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43We've got a complaint, that's why I came.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47Different councils across the UK take a slightly different approach
0:03:47 > 0:03:54to nuisance noise, but in order to take action, all officers have to witness it first-hand.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57Here in Westminster, if officers catch builders in the act,
0:03:57 > 0:03:59they can serve them with a warning notice,
0:03:59 > 0:04:03which gives the builders a legal obligation to quieten down.
0:04:03 > 0:04:08If they don't, they can be taken to court and fined up to £5,000.
0:04:08 > 0:04:13Having spoken to the workmen on site, Kevin's now giving the builders' boss a call
0:04:13 > 0:04:15to ask him what's going on.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19I expect you know this, but we do not allow building works on Sunday.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22The noise could be heard outside the south boundary.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26Your men are working here, they are using a sanding machine.
0:04:26 > 0:04:31I have asked for work to stop and what I'm going to do is,
0:04:31 > 0:04:34I'm going to serve a Control of Pollution Act notice,
0:04:34 > 0:04:38which clearly stipulates the hours that you are allowed to work.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43And going forward, if this notice is breached,
0:04:43 > 0:04:45it will lead to prosecution,
0:04:45 > 0:04:47and a maximum fine, if found guilty
0:04:47 > 0:04:51at a magistrate's court, is £5,000.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55I'll pass the phone to him now.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57Yeah, I'm going to serve a notice.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59Kevin's been clear.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03If he or his colleagues witness any more noisy work outside the permitted hours,
0:05:03 > 0:05:08then the contractor could be looking at a date in the magistrate's court.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12OK. If you make sure you pass this to him,
0:05:12 > 0:05:17you yourself can read it carefully, it tells you the hours I just told you
0:05:17 > 0:05:21and when you cannot work. OK. You take care now.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25Notice served, it's on to the next job.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32If you've got a problem with nuisance noise, you don't have to suffer in silence.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36Don't call 999, though - your local council can help,
0:05:36 > 0:05:39so pick up the phone and get in touch.
0:05:39 > 0:05:46Kevin's now on his way to see someone who claims their neighbours are playing music far too loudly.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50Last time I called, the customer said the music was still playing loudly,
0:05:50 > 0:05:54and if we need to take...
0:05:54 > 0:05:57any formal action,
0:05:57 > 0:06:01in addition to getting the neighbour to lower the music.
0:06:01 > 0:06:06Due to the number of complaints Kevin's dealing with today,
0:06:06 > 0:06:11and the Westminster traffic, it's been just over two hours since the complainant called in.
0:06:11 > 0:06:17When he arrives, Kevin heads straight to the flat, but the music's been turned off.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21The man who called in to complain, though, is keen to get things off his chest.
0:06:21 > 0:06:26Well, I went over at about ten o'clock and I told them,
0:06:26 > 0:06:32"Look, I know it's daytime, but I can feel it in my walls, I can feel your music in my walls."
0:06:32 > 0:06:36And he said, "You're not trying to sleep are you? You're awake."
0:06:36 > 0:06:40And I said, "Yes, I'm awake, but I...there are limits. This is unbearable."
0:06:40 > 0:06:43Then he said, "OK, I'll turn it down a bit."
0:06:43 > 0:06:47And then by eleven o'clock, it was right back up, and that's when we said,
0:06:47 > 0:06:51"Shall we do something?" That's when I put the call through.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55So it takes about two hours, two and a half hours, for you to actually physically get here?
0:06:55 > 0:06:57Sometimes it does.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01It's always more tempting when there's a really loud noise,
0:07:01 > 0:07:04and I can feel it in my walls, even in the living room,
0:07:04 > 0:07:08it's tempting to walk over and go..."Excuse me, please."
0:07:08 > 0:07:11Sometimes, like today, they were just impossible to deal with.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14I want to be able to reason with them and say,
0:07:14 > 0:07:16"Look, I don't care what you do in your private lives,
0:07:16 > 0:07:19"I'm willing to mind my own business.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23"But when you wake me up in the middle of the night, at three o'clock,
0:07:23 > 0:07:25"that's when I have to get in your face."
0:07:25 > 0:07:26Yeah.
0:07:26 > 0:07:31In order to take action, Kevin has to witness nuisance noise first-hand,
0:07:31 > 0:07:35and as the music's been turned off, there's nothing he can do here.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38On this occasion, sorry, there isn't much I can do here.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41Yeah, if you'd gotten here before two o'clock, then...
0:07:41 > 0:07:46I wish I had. But there you go. Like I said, call this number any time. OK?
0:07:46 > 0:07:50- Thank you very much for your help. - Nice meeting you.
0:07:50 > 0:07:55It's frustrating for all concerned, but to date, there have been no further complaints
0:07:55 > 0:07:58about the alleged noisy flat.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02The same isn't true of the builders Kevin visited earlier in the day, though.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06There was another complaint about them, and a week later,
0:08:06 > 0:08:10his colleague, Anuja, is on her way to pay them a visit.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13The owners of business have to understand there are residents
0:08:13 > 0:08:17who need some peace and quiet as they put up with it all week long.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21As carrying out any building work on a Sunday is illegal,
0:08:21 > 0:08:23unless you have prior permission,
0:08:23 > 0:08:28as soon as Anuja arrives at the jewellery shop, she wants a word with the gaffer.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30Are you in charge?
0:08:30 > 0:08:31No.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34Is there someone in charge? I'm from Westminster Council.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37- He's gone maybe outside. - OK.- Back in maybe half an hour.
0:08:37 > 0:08:42Half an hour? Can you ring him and tell him I'm from the council and I'd like to speak to him?
0:08:42 > 0:08:45Having been given the builder's boss's number,
0:08:45 > 0:08:50Anuja wastes no time calling him to get him straight on site for a word.
0:08:50 > 0:08:51Are you near by?
0:08:54 > 0:08:59Yes, I'll wait outside for you, then. Thank you, bye-bye. ..He's coming.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03As soon as the foreman arrives, Anuja cuts to the chase.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05We're getting complaints about the noise.
0:09:05 > 0:09:09It's a site clearance - there's no noisy work as such.
0:09:09 > 0:09:10Ooh, I disagree with you.
0:09:10 > 0:09:15As there's been a complaint, Anuja isn't convinced that the builders,
0:09:15 > 0:09:18who are here in full force, are just cleaning up.
0:09:18 > 0:09:23This was set up yesterday. The boys are using the hammer, yes, but no work's being done.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26- I'm sorry, I don't agree. - But we've not been making noise.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30You've got how many builders here? You've got two, four... at least eight builders here.
0:09:30 > 0:09:35As Anuja's colleague, Kevin, heard the noise here first-hand,
0:09:35 > 0:09:40he served them a notice, and since then, they've had another visit from the Noise Team.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43He came in...obviously we were painting and stuff,
0:09:43 > 0:09:46and he was standing there and came in and said, "What are you doing?"
0:09:46 > 0:09:50He physically saw we had the same amount of men here, only doing quiet work.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53I've had this issue, I know six o'clock is the permitted work.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57I know Sunday we're not supposed to work, but we're just cleaning up.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01To be honest, we have been hammered once. That is it, we've done that one door.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04I've been here a while and haven't seen anyone clearing anything.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08I'd like all the tools out. How about that? Then I'll let you carry on.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12- I can pack up the tools. - I'll wait for you to do that, otherwise you have to leave.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16- I'll put them in the van. - OK, I'll wait for you to pack up all the tools.
0:10:16 > 0:10:21The notice that the diamond geezers working at this jewellery shop have been served
0:10:21 > 0:10:27means that they've been warned not to make a noise nuisance again outside the official hours.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29But as Anuja hasn't heard any noise today,
0:10:29 > 0:10:33they haven't technically broken the rules,
0:10:33 > 0:10:39so all she can do is drill home how serious working on a Sunday or bank holiday could be.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42If you're here on a Sunday or tomorrow, which is a bank holiday,
0:10:42 > 0:10:45if you're here and you've got a notice, we could prosecute you.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49If we catch you working and drilling and things, we will prosecute you.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51So you are really crossing a fine line.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55And when I see all these tools and we're getting complaints,
0:10:55 > 0:10:58people aren't going to complain if you're doing quiet works.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00I'll keep the decorators on site.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03OK, that's fine. But no banging, no drilling, no power tools.
0:11:03 > 0:11:08Anuja's laid down the law, but this boss seems determined to push his luck.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12He tells Anuja that they'll pack up their tools.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16Later today, though, he'll have a potentially noisy delivery.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20We've got a van coming on site at three o'clock and we're just going to load it up,
0:11:20 > 0:11:22ready for Tuesday morning, you know.
0:11:22 > 0:11:28You really are stepping a fine line as to what classes as work and not as work, on a Sunday.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31And the easiest way is just not to be here.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34OK? So I'm going to give you that warning.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38As Anuja didn't witness any nuisance noise taking place today,
0:11:38 > 0:11:40she was unable to take action.
0:11:40 > 0:11:45Since her visit, there have been no further complaints about these builders, and the case is closed.
0:11:49 > 0:11:54To the millions of dog lovers in the UK, these are man's best friend.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56Speak. Speak!
0:11:56 > 0:11:58DOG WHINES
0:11:58 > 0:12:00But when they won't shut up and sound like this...
0:12:00 > 0:12:03BARKING
0:12:03 > 0:12:05..they drive us barking mad.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08At night-time, just when you thought you're going to close your eyes
0:12:08 > 0:12:12and go to sleep, all you hear is barking, barking, barking.
0:12:12 > 0:12:17You know it's not going to go away and not come back. You just lie there waiting for the next noise.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23In Belfast, Northern Ireland, noise enforcement officers Philip and Joe
0:12:23 > 0:12:26are used to dealing with complaints about barking dogs.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30And tonight, a call has come in about a repeat offender.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33Because it's apartments, we would actually need to call in,
0:12:33 > 0:12:36just to witness the noise. So, as I say, we'll call in shortly.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39This complainant has rang in on several occasions.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41Now, I have never witnessed it,
0:12:41 > 0:12:44but a couple of us have witnessed the dog barking.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47The girl who complained has said she's going to let us in tonight
0:12:47 > 0:12:49to take measurements from her property.
0:12:51 > 0:12:56The Belfast Noise Squad are dedicated to tackling nuisance noise,
0:12:56 > 0:12:58but it's also important to look good...
0:12:58 > 0:13:03Looks like Brad Pitt's joined the team. Well, almost.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08It's Friday night, and Philip and Joe are on their way to a neighbourhood
0:13:08 > 0:13:14where they've received multiple complaints about a barking dog.
0:13:14 > 0:13:18They've spoken to the owner and advised how to stop the dog barking,
0:13:18 > 0:13:20but it seems as though there's still a problem.
0:13:22 > 0:13:26We're just arriving in the street now, we'll pull up across the road,
0:13:26 > 0:13:28have a listen, see if the dog is still barking.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31As they pull up, Philip can hear the dog.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34It's barking.
0:13:37 > 0:13:41The owners of this dog have already been served with warning notices,
0:13:41 > 0:13:44but the problem hasn't been sorted out.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48The next step is to serve an Article 38 notice.
0:13:48 > 0:13:55This notice is served to people who've already had warning notices but haven't complied with them.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59Once it's served, if the dog owners don't bring their dog to heel,
0:13:59 > 0:14:01they could be taken to the magistrate's court,
0:14:01 > 0:14:06fined up to £5,000 and get a criminal record.
0:14:09 > 0:14:14In order to be able to serve an Article 38, the team have to prove
0:14:14 > 0:14:18the noise is a statutory nuisance by building a case over time.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21We need to gather enough evidence that there is a problem there,
0:14:21 > 0:14:26so we take measurements, count the barks. I've spoken to the complainant several times.
0:14:26 > 0:14:31She's been advised that we need to keep repeating the process each time she's being disturbed.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34She only appears to be disturbed when the dog owners are out.
0:14:36 > 0:14:41The lads have been allowed in to the complainant's home to gather the evidence they need.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44Joe is going to be recording the level of noise.
0:14:44 > 0:14:49Philip will count the number of barks per minute.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52I'm just taking out the noise meter to take the 15-minute measurements.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56But before I take any measurements, I have to calibrate it.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00So I'll calibrate it and then I'll take a measurement with the dog barking.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04Philip has to take a noise reading for 15 minutes.
0:15:04 > 0:15:10If the noise level goes over 31 decibels, then it's loud enough for the lads to take action.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13But it seems as though this hound has sounded them out,
0:15:13 > 0:15:16because it's all gone quiet.
0:15:16 > 0:15:21I cut the measurement short at five, because the dog stopped barking just after three minutes.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24I let it run for another minute just in case it started up again,
0:15:24 > 0:15:27but it hasn't, so I'll just cut it short there.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31I mean, we've heard it was barking constantly throughout the first three minutes or so,
0:15:31 > 0:15:36so it would definitely cause a noise nuisance to anyone in this room.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40The barking may have stopped, but the lads believe there's a problem.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43We've gathered all the evidence we can, so...
0:15:43 > 0:15:45That constant barking would cause a nuisance
0:15:45 > 0:15:48to anyone living in the house we were taking the measurement.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51So hopefully, it moves on a bit from now.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57Later, we'll join the Belfast noise team
0:15:57 > 0:16:01making a visit to the neighbour who's being driven up the wall
0:16:01 > 0:16:02by the crying hound dog.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04They have no respect for anybody,
0:16:04 > 0:16:07and if I thought my dog was constantly barking like that...
0:16:07 > 0:16:08It just wouldn't happen,
0:16:08 > 0:16:12because I'd be respectful of other people that I'm living around.
0:16:12 > 0:16:13And they go to take action.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16If there's further disturbance,
0:16:16 > 0:16:18the council can take you to court and prosecute you.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30Last year, on average,
0:16:30 > 0:16:34the Westminster Noise Squad dealt with over 350 complaints a week.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38This 21-strong team are the busiest in the country
0:16:38 > 0:16:41and are used to dealing with everything from loud parties...
0:16:41 > 0:16:45We would like the music off. Off. Now.
0:16:45 > 0:16:46..to noisy builders.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48If we catch you working and drilling and things,
0:16:48 > 0:16:50we will prosecute you.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55Anuja Jayawickrema has worked for the council's noise team
0:16:55 > 0:16:56for almost seven years.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00I said to Kay, "I'll only stay for a year or two,"
0:17:00 > 0:17:01and I'm still here!
0:17:03 > 0:17:06Anuja's working the night shift and is on her way to deal
0:17:06 > 0:17:10with an alarm that has apparently been sounding off for hours.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12ALARM WHINES
0:17:17 > 0:17:21She's not sure if it's a house alarm or a fire alarm.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24We don't have the authorisation to disconnect fire alarms,
0:17:24 > 0:17:25in case of fire.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28Legally, we're not allowed to disconnect them,
0:17:28 > 0:17:30because they could be, you know...
0:17:30 > 0:17:34Obviously fire alarms are for fire safety, so we would call the...
0:17:36 > 0:17:40..fire brigade out to...have a look,
0:17:40 > 0:17:42but there's no sign of fire or anything.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44Anuja jumps out of the car
0:17:44 > 0:17:47to try and find out what type of alarm this is.
0:17:47 > 0:17:48It's not a fire alarm,
0:17:48 > 0:17:51it's an intruder alarm - it's that box there, with the light flashing.
0:17:52 > 0:17:57Aggravating alarms are a common complaint to the Noise Squad.
0:17:57 > 0:17:58Here in Westminster,
0:17:58 > 0:18:00if an alarm has been sounding for more than 20 minutes,
0:18:00 > 0:18:03it's considered to be faulty and causing a nuisance.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07In order to deal with it, officers will try and find a homeowner
0:18:07 > 0:18:09on the council's keyholder database.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11With any luck, they'll serve a notice,
0:18:11 > 0:18:13and the owner will have one hour
0:18:13 > 0:18:14to shut it off.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19If it's still going off after that, they can call a locksmith out
0:18:19 > 0:18:20to disable the alarm,
0:18:20 > 0:18:22and the homeowner will have to foot the bill.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25The problem's going to be getting a locksmith
0:18:25 > 0:18:26who's got a ladder high enough.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29Oh, it's stopped! But it might start again.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33They're just so unpredictable.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39It might stay off, it may come back on.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41The flashing light's still on.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44The alarm may have stopped,
0:18:44 > 0:18:46but Anuja's years of experience on the job
0:18:46 > 0:18:48tell her that this problem might not be sorted,
0:18:48 > 0:18:51and she waits to see if the alarm will come back on.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53Hopefully it will stop,
0:18:53 > 0:18:56because the complainant said it hasn't stopped all...
0:18:56 > 0:18:58the whole time, it's been on constantly,
0:18:58 > 0:18:59so maybe it's just died out.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03They're supposed to cut off after 20 minutes, if it sounds.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06You know, if someone breaks in, it should go off after 20 minutes.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09But obviously, this one's got some sort of fault,
0:19:09 > 0:19:12cos there's no signs of break-in or anything and it's gone off
0:19:12 > 0:19:16and it didn't turn off after 20 minutes, which it should, by law.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19So hopefully it'll stay off, but we'll come and check.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23We've got some other jobs to do, so we'll go and do those and come back.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26Before heading on to other jobs,
0:19:26 > 0:19:28Anuja decides to serve a notice.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31If it comes back on tonight, yeah, we can then use that notice,
0:19:31 > 0:19:34without having to wait an hour to disconnect the alarm.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38So it makes it easier for us not having to do it again.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41But obviously, if it comes back on next week or something,
0:19:41 > 0:19:43then we'll have to re-serve a new notice.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46It stays on the property, on our system,
0:19:46 > 0:19:49on the computer system, but nothing else happens.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51Just as she's about to serve the notice,
0:19:51 > 0:19:54someone from the alarm company arrives.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56It stopped, about five minutes ago.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00After speaking to the engineer, it's clear the alarm is on the blink.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03He's the call-out service from the alarm company
0:20:03 > 0:20:05and he said he's been out already twice,
0:20:05 > 0:20:09and both times it stopped as it did just now, today,
0:20:09 > 0:20:11it's stopped, hasn't it?
0:20:11 > 0:20:13So I've served the notice, but...
0:20:13 > 0:20:17he said he can't...there's no reason why the alarm should be going off.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20It's probably a fault in the panel, the control panel.
0:20:20 > 0:20:21So they'll have to come out tomorrow
0:20:21 > 0:20:23and have a look at the control panel.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26Are you going in to have a look?
0:20:26 > 0:20:28- ALARM WHINES - Yeah, yeah.
0:20:28 > 0:20:29Oh, you're... That's it, isn't it?
0:20:29 > 0:20:32Anuja's decision to serve the notice is a good one,
0:20:32 > 0:20:35as the alarm starts up again.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38ALARM WHINES It's started again, hasn't it?
0:20:40 > 0:20:42It's time to take action.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45Right, shall we call our locksmith to disconnect the alarm
0:20:45 > 0:20:47if you can let us in?
0:20:47 > 0:20:50You can disconnect it? Oh, right, OK.
0:20:50 > 0:20:51Can we come in?
0:20:57 > 0:21:00He's going to disconnect the alarm, he reckons.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02- He is.- Yeah, he says he can.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04I'm just going to go in and check.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09The alarm is off...but for how long?
0:21:09 > 0:21:13I don't know when it's going to go off again, that's the problem.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15But I thought you'd disconnected it.
0:21:15 > 0:21:16I have disconnected it.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19- But it may be on the sounding box. - Exactly.- Right.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23Will you let us in if we get a locksmith to go out on that balcony?
0:21:24 > 0:21:29Erm...well, the thing is, I have to... You've got the number?
0:21:29 > 0:21:31Yes, we have to get in touch with your...
0:21:31 > 0:21:33You have to get in touch with the Control.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35OK, if you speak to your Control and let them know
0:21:35 > 0:21:39that we may need to disconnect the alarm from the sounding box,
0:21:39 > 0:21:41so you need to let us into the building,
0:21:41 > 0:21:44cos you can't be disturbing the neighbours all night.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47- No, I understand.- The purpose of asking you to come and let us in
0:21:47 > 0:21:49is so we don't have to break in through this door
0:21:49 > 0:21:51and change the locks, that's all.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53It just saves time and money.
0:21:53 > 0:21:54Thank you.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58If the alarm goes off again tonight, Anuja has the power to break in
0:21:58 > 0:22:00to silence it,
0:22:00 > 0:22:03and the owner of the property will have to foot the bill.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06Fortunately for all concerned,
0:22:06 > 0:22:08there were no further complaints about the alarm
0:22:08 > 0:22:11and no further action was necessary.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16Anuja may have successfully silenced the alarm,
0:22:16 > 0:22:19but there'll be plenty of other noise
0:22:19 > 0:22:21for her to deal with tonight.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26Not everyone she visits, though, is dressed to receive visitors.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28He's in his underpants!
0:22:28 > 0:22:31I'll have to ask him to put some clothes on.
0:22:31 > 0:22:36In Belfast, a barking dog is driving a neighbour barking mad.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39It makes you feel really frustrated.
0:22:39 > 0:22:41You just want to tell it to shut up!
0:22:41 > 0:22:44And York noise officer Elizabeth is called to a house
0:22:44 > 0:22:46where the residents are enjoying
0:22:46 > 0:22:49some rather loud tunes in their garden.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51LOUD MUSIC
0:22:51 > 0:22:54I don't think that's very obnoxious, that music.
0:22:54 > 0:22:55I don't think it was.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09All over the UK, noisy neighbours are driving us up the wall!
0:23:09 > 0:23:12I had a neighbour that was having parties
0:23:12 > 0:23:14every other day of the week, driving me nuts.
0:23:14 > 0:23:19Noise echoing like mad, annoying every single member of the close.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21It's like you're living with someone else,
0:23:21 > 0:23:24or you don't have peace in your own home.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26Last year in York, the council's Noise Squad
0:23:26 > 0:23:30received over 1,000 calls about domestic noise.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33LOUD MUSIC
0:23:33 > 0:23:34That is very loud.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41But it's not just late-night noise that can be a problem.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43If it's too loud or out of the ordinary,
0:23:43 > 0:23:47noise can be a nuisance at any time of the day.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50Today, noise enforcement officer Elizabeth is heading out
0:23:50 > 0:23:54to investigate a complaint about loud music
0:23:54 > 0:23:56disturbing the peace and quiet of a street.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59I'm going to a council property.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03We've had a complaint that they've got their music on really loud.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05They're probably doing nothing different
0:24:05 > 0:24:07than they'd do in the winter,
0:24:07 > 0:24:10but because everybody's got their windows open,
0:24:10 > 0:24:13it tends to obviously spill out into the street
0:24:13 > 0:24:17and obviously affect neighbours, cos they've got their windows open.
0:24:17 > 0:24:22With summer in full swing, people like to enjoy the outdoors
0:24:22 > 0:24:25and don't always think about others.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27Occasionally, I've had situations
0:24:27 > 0:24:31where people actually take their stereos outside...
0:24:32 > 0:24:34..and blast their neighbours.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37If your neighbour's playing loud music,
0:24:37 > 0:24:39how long is it going to go on for?
0:24:39 > 0:24:42It's completely outside their control when that music starts
0:24:42 > 0:24:44and when it stops,
0:24:44 > 0:24:49and again that lack of control offends, as well.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51As Elizabeth pulls up to the property,
0:24:51 > 0:24:53the music is clear to hear.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59LOUD MUSIC
0:25:02 > 0:25:05We've just driven past, and the music is really loud.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08They're playing, having water fights in the garden.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10The music's out in the garden,
0:25:10 > 0:25:13so I'm just going to ring the complainant now.
0:25:13 > 0:25:17She calls the complainant to let them know she's heard the problem.
0:25:17 > 0:25:21I'm going to have a chat to them anyway, just ask them to, you know,
0:25:21 > 0:25:25take the music indoors, so they're not disturbing the neighbours.
0:25:25 > 0:25:29If the problem happens again this afternoon or tomorrow,
0:25:29 > 0:25:31if the weather stays nice,
0:25:31 > 0:25:32by all means, ring us back.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34OK, I'll speak to you shortly, then.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36OK? Cheers, then. Bye-bye.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39Normally, Elizabeth would visit the complainant,
0:25:39 > 0:25:41but she won't be doing that today.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43This is quite a close-knit community,
0:25:43 > 0:25:45so everybody's known to everyone else,
0:25:45 > 0:25:48and in those circumstances, sometimes it's a bit...
0:25:49 > 0:25:52..you know, a bit scary putting your head above the parapet
0:25:52 > 0:25:54and, you know,
0:25:54 > 0:25:55being identified, really.
0:25:55 > 0:25:59We'll just see what the reaction is when we go and have a chat.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02- MUSIC BLARES - As she approaches the house to speak to the homeowner,
0:26:02 > 0:26:05the music can clearly be heard in the street.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17When she arrives, the resident is outside cutting the grass,
0:26:17 > 0:26:20but Elizabeth is going to tell her she needs to cut the music.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22Hi, excuse me, can I have a chat to you?
0:26:22 > 0:26:26Yeah. Hang on. ..Turn that down a minute.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31I'm from Environmental Protection at the City of York Council...
0:26:31 > 0:26:34- Are you?- ..and we've come about the music, actually.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36We've had a complaint about it.
0:26:36 > 0:26:37Oh, my God! Today?
0:26:37 > 0:26:39- Yeah.- Are you havin' a laugh?!
0:26:39 > 0:26:44When them over there had a party until two o'clock this morning?
0:26:44 > 0:26:47The lady is not impressed that she's being asked to quieten down
0:26:47 > 0:26:50and says some of her neighbours have been making a racket.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53I'll just provide you with some advice...
0:26:53 > 0:26:55- No, it's OK.- ..if you can keep it... take the music in -
0:26:55 > 0:26:58I don't mind you having it on inside, obviously.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01At two o'clock this morning, they were fighting in the street.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04I'm getting my solicitor on to this now.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07Listen, I've only had me music on while I've been doing my garden.
0:27:07 > 0:27:11My 87-year-old mother's in there - she doesn't mind, right?
0:27:11 > 0:27:14OK, I've got a baby in there that's asleep.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17If there WAS late-night noise last night,
0:27:17 > 0:27:19this lady's reaction is understandable,
0:27:19 > 0:27:23but Elizabeth and her colleagues can only deal with the complaints
0:27:23 > 0:27:26that come in and the noise they witness.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30What I'm just asking you to do is not put the music on outside.
0:27:30 > 0:27:34- What about when people have their music on? Do I phone you? - Well, give us a ring, then.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36No, because...I'm not being funny, it's the summer!
0:27:36 > 0:27:39Oh, my God, people have their music on in the summer...
0:27:39 > 0:27:41outside, everywhere, all over the place...
0:27:41 > 0:27:43This lady's not happy,
0:27:43 > 0:27:47but she's calm and would rather the complainant had had a word with her.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49I'd like the person who's complaining,
0:27:49 > 0:27:51please give me their name and address
0:27:51 > 0:27:55so I can sort it out with them and I'll be very, very, you know,
0:27:55 > 0:27:56I won't be obnoxious with it.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59I would just say to them, "I'm sorry about that,"
0:27:59 > 0:28:00do you know what I mean?
0:28:00 > 0:28:01I'll keep it down then.
0:28:01 > 0:28:03But if they're doing it to me,
0:28:03 > 0:28:06why aren't they doing it to everybody else in the street?
0:28:06 > 0:28:09Cos at the end of the day, I think all it is,
0:28:09 > 0:28:11is this street's had old people in it for years,
0:28:11 > 0:28:14now young people are starting to come into it, yeah?
0:28:14 > 0:28:17My mum's not complaining, my mum's 87.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19I'm sat in her garden, cutting her grass.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22I live here. My mum's not complaining. OK?
0:28:22 > 0:28:25I don't think that was very obnoxious, that music,
0:28:25 > 0:28:26I don't think it was.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29Considering you can hear other people's music over it.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31Do you know what I'm saying?
0:28:31 > 0:28:34Every time I do something, it's always me that gets it.
0:28:34 > 0:28:37Honest to God, honestly it is.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40Elizabeth explains that the stereo needs to be taken inside
0:28:40 > 0:28:44to make sure there are no further complaints today.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46I thought I'd have a quiet word with you today,
0:28:46 > 0:28:50and if you keep the music inside, that'll be great.
0:28:50 > 0:28:52I won't keep it inside, but I'll keep it down.
0:28:52 > 0:28:53No, keep it inside, please.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56I don't want to come back this afternoon and it be that loud.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58OK, it won't.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00OK, no bother. You might have to come back this afternoon,
0:29:00 > 0:29:02but it might not be for me.
0:29:02 > 0:29:06The lady's agreed to keep things down, and Elizabeth heads off.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10Basically, her natural reaction was...
0:29:10 > 0:29:14given that she was disturbed over the weekend, was that,
0:29:14 > 0:29:17"Oh, why is it always me that gets the blame?"
0:29:17 > 0:29:19It is summer, people do have their music on outside,
0:29:19 > 0:29:23but I can only deal with complaints that I've got.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26If she wants to make a complaint about somebody else,
0:29:26 > 0:29:31then I'm happy to go out and to provide advice for them, as well.
0:29:31 > 0:29:35But clearly that level of music had been on for three hours,
0:29:35 > 0:29:40and it's preventing other people enjoying their properties
0:29:40 > 0:29:42and their gardens, when it's on so loud.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45With 14 years' experience on the job,
0:29:45 > 0:29:48Elizabeth's used to people being a bit defensive
0:29:48 > 0:29:50when they're confronted about the noise they're making.
0:29:50 > 0:29:55When she gets back to the office, she'll be sending out the paperwork
0:29:55 > 0:29:58to try and ensure they don't have to visit the property again.
0:29:58 > 0:30:02We'll just send a warning letter out advising of the legislation,
0:30:02 > 0:30:07but it may mean if we go back this afternoon or tomorrow,
0:30:07 > 0:30:10next week, if the music's on at that level
0:30:10 > 0:30:13and we're sat in somebody else's property or somebody else's garden
0:30:13 > 0:30:15and we can hear that
0:30:15 > 0:30:17and it's affecting the way they live their lives,
0:30:17 > 0:30:19we may end up serving an abatement notice,
0:30:19 > 0:30:22which would be a final legal warning
0:30:22 > 0:30:26that they're not to cause a nuisance to their neighbours in the future.
0:30:26 > 0:30:30If they do, then we would look at seizing their stereo
0:30:30 > 0:30:32or their CDs,
0:30:32 > 0:30:35and of course prosecuting.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39Prosecution, seizure of equipment and fines
0:30:39 > 0:30:41only happen in a small minority of cases,
0:30:41 > 0:30:44and in this instance, the lady was as good as her word.
0:30:44 > 0:30:48There were no further complaints about loud music,
0:30:48 > 0:30:50and no further action was necessary.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59In Belfast, the Noise Squad
0:30:59 > 0:31:02are dealing with a persistently barking dog.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05It's driving local residents up the wall.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07After being served with warning notices
0:31:07 > 0:31:10that hadn't been complied with,
0:31:10 > 0:31:12the team were gathering evidence
0:31:12 > 0:31:15to serve a more powerful Article 38 notice on the owners.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19Once served, an Article 38 notice
0:31:19 > 0:31:24means that if it were breached, the dog owners could be prosecuted
0:31:24 > 0:31:27in the magistrate's court, get a criminal record
0:31:27 > 0:31:29and be fined up to £5,000.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33That constant barking would cause a nuisance to anyone
0:31:33 > 0:31:36living in the house where we're taking the measurement.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39So, hopefully, it moves on a bit now.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41This case has dragged on for around a year,
0:31:41 > 0:31:44and the Noise Squad have spent months gathering the evidence
0:31:44 > 0:31:47they need to serve the Article 38 notice.
0:31:49 > 0:31:53Today, David, who works the dayshift on the noise team, is on his way
0:31:53 > 0:31:57to see the dog owners and he's armed with a notice.
0:31:57 > 0:32:01In this case, there's been 26 complaints over the last year or so.
0:32:01 > 0:32:03We've got six residents
0:32:03 > 0:32:06who've contacted the council about the dog.
0:32:06 > 0:32:10I've witnessed the dog barking for nearly an hour on one occasion.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13One of the residents has given us a fairly comprehensive diary sheet
0:32:13 > 0:32:16over months - a diary sheet with dates and times
0:32:16 > 0:32:17showing when the dog was barking.
0:32:17 > 0:32:21One of the night-time officers has witnessed the dog barking
0:32:21 > 0:32:24and taken a noise measurement in one of the resident's houses
0:32:24 > 0:32:28to demonstrate the levels of noise from the barking,
0:32:28 > 0:32:32causing enough disturbance that it would cause sleep disturbance
0:32:32 > 0:32:36or interference with the use of living rooms and bedrooms.
0:32:36 > 0:32:38Before he serves the notice,
0:32:38 > 0:32:41David is going to take a statement from a neighbour.
0:32:41 > 0:32:45Alison's a dog lover, but she's not loving the sleepless nights
0:32:45 > 0:32:47caused by the bothersome barking.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49Basically, as I explained on the phone,
0:32:49 > 0:32:52- we need to take a statement. - No problem.
0:32:52 > 0:32:56You sent us some diary sheets quite a while ago.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59Alison has been keeping a diary of events
0:32:59 > 0:33:03to add to the evidence needed to serve an Article 38 notice.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05It really is stressful and irritating,
0:33:05 > 0:33:09and it makes you feel really frustrated.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11You just want to tell it to shut up.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14You don't even tell people about it,
0:33:14 > 0:33:18because it sounds so trivial, about a dog barking.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21But that constant grind every day, in the middle of the night, it just...
0:33:21 > 0:33:25Until you're listening to it constantly,
0:33:25 > 0:33:27you have no idea what effect it has on you.
0:33:27 > 0:33:32It's draining, it really is draining. I feel angry, frustrated,
0:33:32 > 0:33:34all just negative emotions.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37Noise officers have counted the number of barks per minute.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40I bet you can't guess how many it was.
0:33:40 > 0:33:44It came to just over 175 barks in two minutes.
0:33:44 > 0:33:49That's right! One bark per second. And no let-up.
0:33:49 > 0:33:51Having to put up with that regularly
0:33:51 > 0:33:54would drive anyone completely bonkers.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57The first thing you think is, "I wonder if the dog's out?"
0:33:57 > 0:33:59It's happening in the night, the early hours.
0:33:59 > 0:34:01You go, "What's going on?"
0:34:01 > 0:34:05- That's nearly one bark a second. - Oh, yeah. It's been awful.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08I'm glad something's getting done.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10- Thank you very much, David. - Thank you.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14It's time for David to serve the Article 38.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30There's no-one at home, but the dog owners aren't off the hook.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33I'm going to give the notice to our night-time officers,
0:34:33 > 0:34:35see if they can call back this evening
0:34:35 > 0:34:36and serve it on them in person.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39It gives them an opportunity then
0:34:39 > 0:34:42to explain the basis of the notice
0:34:42 > 0:34:45and why we're serving it. We do have to make reasonable attempts
0:34:45 > 0:34:48to give it to them in person before we'll look at other options.
0:34:48 > 0:34:50Serving it by post or something like that.
0:34:53 > 0:34:58Later that day, as night begins to fall, David's colleagues
0:34:58 > 0:35:01Tim and Jim hit the road to try and serve the Article 38 notice.
0:35:03 > 0:35:07Often the day staff have difficulties trying to serve notices
0:35:07 > 0:35:10because the dog owners are working nine to five.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13When they call out, there's nobody there. A lot of the time,
0:35:13 > 0:35:16it falls on us to serve the notices because we work out of hours,
0:35:16 > 0:35:20so there's more chance of the dog owners being in.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22This time, one of the owners IS home, and Tim serves the notice.
0:35:22 > 0:35:26It's about your dog barking and causing too much disturbance.
0:35:26 > 0:35:30So what this notice says is if there's further disturbance,
0:35:30 > 0:35:35the council can take you to court and prosecute you and fine you.
0:35:35 > 0:35:37It seems to be when you are out.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40Any time I've been out and witnessed the dog barking,
0:35:40 > 0:35:41there hasn't been anybody here,
0:35:41 > 0:35:44and it's barking persistently when you're out.
0:35:44 > 0:35:48It's your responsibility to ensure it's not disturbing the neighbours.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51- OK.- Cheers, thank you. Good night.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55With ten years' experience on the team, Tim's seen it all
0:35:55 > 0:36:00and knows how much upset barking dogs can cause.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03One of the biggest complaints we get, after noisy parties,
0:36:03 > 0:36:07is barking dogs. It really can make people's lives a misery.
0:36:07 > 0:36:11And although Jim hopes that's the end of the matter,
0:36:11 > 0:36:12Tim's not so sure.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15The next step will be, the next time the dog barks,
0:36:15 > 0:36:18we'll get out and get measurements.
0:36:18 > 0:36:19You pessimist!
0:36:21 > 0:36:24- Am I a pessimist or am I just realistic?- A realist.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29And Tim was spot-on.
0:36:29 > 0:36:31Since he served the notice,
0:36:31 > 0:36:34the dogs have continued to cause a noise nuisance,
0:36:34 > 0:36:39and the Noise Squad are preparing to take the owners to court.
0:36:49 > 0:36:51In Westminster, noise enforcement officer Anuja
0:36:51 > 0:36:55is working the night shift and is on her way
0:36:55 > 0:36:58to deal with a complaint about noisy workmen.
0:36:58 > 0:37:02Once on site, it's clear what's disturbing local residents.
0:37:02 > 0:37:04LOUD MECHANICAL HUMMING
0:37:06 > 0:37:09It's the generator which the workmen are using to mix the paint
0:37:09 > 0:37:12to paint the road.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14How long does it take to mix one can?
0:37:14 > 0:37:18One can? It's about one minute.
0:37:18 > 0:37:20And how many cans will you need for this?
0:37:20 > 0:37:23- All this.- 20 minutes?
0:37:23 > 0:37:24SHE LAUGHS
0:37:24 > 0:37:28It's midnight, and Anuja asks the guys
0:37:28 > 0:37:31how much longer they'll be working for.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33What time are you expecting to finish?
0:37:33 > 0:37:36We have to make the second coat here,
0:37:36 > 0:37:38so about one and a half hours.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42The generator they need to run to mix the paint.
0:37:42 > 0:37:46They have to put hardener in with it, so they have to mix each can
0:37:46 > 0:37:49with the thing and they need the generator running.
0:37:49 > 0:37:53But you can see, if you look at it, it's really old and very noisy.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55They've got to mix all these tins...
0:37:55 > 0:37:57SHE GIGGLES
0:37:57 > 0:38:00All those tins have to be mixed with hardener, individually.
0:38:00 > 0:38:04They can't put it all down in one go because they have to do two coats,
0:38:04 > 0:38:07so that grey stuff that's on the floor now is like a sealant,
0:38:07 > 0:38:11and they have to put another coat on that, then put the paint on.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13So they'll be here till five.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16It turns out the workmen have permission to carry out
0:38:16 > 0:38:19the work from another council department.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21What time is it? Half past 12 now.
0:38:21 > 0:38:25As you heard, it's quite noisy when the generator's running.
0:38:25 > 0:38:29Tonight, there's nothing much more Anuja can do. Time to move on.
0:38:29 > 0:38:33What a boring job, sitting there watching sealant dry!
0:38:34 > 0:38:36Her next call is to a complaint
0:38:36 > 0:38:40about loud music in a housing complex.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42We're here to see someone about noise.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46Can we park out here? Thank you.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49It's got street names in here. That is so cool.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53Anuja and her colleague head upstairs to see the man
0:38:53 > 0:38:57who called to complain about noise coming from a neighbour's flat.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59You don't know who lives there?
0:38:59 > 0:39:02- No. I've left two notes, actually. - Yes.
0:39:02 > 0:39:05- Can we have a listen?- Yes, please.
0:39:14 > 0:39:18- Is it OK with our shoes on? - Please, yes.
0:39:23 > 0:39:24I can hear the bass.
0:39:25 > 0:39:28Quite heavy, isn't it?
0:39:28 > 0:39:31You haven't seen them at all? You don't know who lives there?
0:39:31 > 0:39:33- No.- No?
0:39:34 > 0:39:36Have you told the concierge?
0:39:36 > 0:39:39Yes, actually. We talked to the concierge,
0:39:39 > 0:39:43and they advised that we contact you.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46And does it get much louder than this?
0:39:46 > 0:39:48At the weekend, it sounds like...
0:39:48 > 0:39:50HE CLAPS LOUDLY
0:39:50 > 0:39:53- ..very big bands. At the weekends. - Right, OK.
0:39:53 > 0:39:59Last weekend, it was loud until five, six o'clock in the morning.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01You can actually feel the vibration across the floor.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03Yeah, you can.
0:40:03 > 0:40:07Especially bad when somebody's trying to sleep, you know.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09- Yes, of course. - It goes like...
0:40:09 > 0:40:11it just goes into your head.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14Yeah. OK. Well, we'll go and speak to them.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16Thank you.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19The gentleman who called in to complain
0:40:19 > 0:40:22says he doesn't want to be a party pooper.
0:40:23 > 0:40:27I want them to have a good time. We both have a good time, win-win.
0:40:27 > 0:40:29Win-win will be nice.
0:40:29 > 0:40:34After listening to the level of the music, Anuja decides it's a nuisance
0:40:34 > 0:40:37and writes out an abatement notice.
0:40:37 > 0:40:42This is a legal document that means the noise-maker has to quieten down.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45If they don't, here in Westminster, the noise team could seize
0:40:45 > 0:40:48the equipment that's making the noise,
0:40:48 > 0:40:51and they could be taken to the magistrate's court and fined.
0:40:55 > 0:40:59We're from Westminster Council. We've had noise complaints.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02The noise-maker comes to the door, but he's not dressed for dinner.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04He's in his underpants.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07I'll have to ask him to put some clothes on.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10The noise-maker gets dressed. But even with his clothes on,
0:41:10 > 0:41:14he's not too happy to see the noise team or our camera.
0:41:14 > 0:41:18But Anuja isn't going to be deterred from sorting this problem out.
0:41:18 > 0:41:22I'm afraid it's causing a nuisance to your neighbours.
0:41:22 > 0:41:24Can you turn it off for us, please?
0:41:24 > 0:41:28After a bit of gentle negotiation, the noise is dealt with
0:41:28 > 0:41:32and the notice is served.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34I served the notice
0:41:34 > 0:41:39and I explained he has the right to appeal,
0:41:39 > 0:41:41which he may do. I don't think he will, but he may do.
0:41:41 > 0:41:45It'll be interesting to see if any more complaints come in.
0:41:45 > 0:41:47To date, Anuja and her colleagues
0:41:47 > 0:41:51have received no further complaints about this property,
0:41:51 > 0:41:53and no further action has been necessary.
0:41:59 > 0:42:01It's been a busy shift for the Noise Squad.
0:42:01 > 0:42:05They've dealt with everything from banging builders...
0:42:05 > 0:42:09I'd like all the tools out of the shop. How about that?
0:42:09 > 0:42:12..to noisy dogs...
0:42:12 > 0:42:16That constant barking would cause a nuisance to anyone.
0:42:16 > 0:42:21..and complaints about music disturbing the peace of a street.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24LOUD MUSIC
0:42:24 > 0:42:25Keep it inside, please.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28I don't want to come back this afternoon with it that loud.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30There's no let up in the battle
0:42:30 > 0:42:34against anti-social nuisance noise, though,
0:42:34 > 0:42:38and plenty more cases still to be dealt with by the Noise Squad.
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