Banbury MP welcomes new ASB powers - and police chief says 'keep reporting' offenders
Banbury MP Sean Woodcock has welcomed new anti-social behaviour (ASB) powers which he says will make Banbury’s streets and neighbourhood safer.
And Thames Valley Police crime commissioner, Matthew Barber, has urged residents to keep reporting incidents of ASB to curb the ‘unnecessary blight’ on communities.
A new system of ‘Respect Orders’ came into effect yesterday (Monday) giving local authorities and police stronger powers to tackle repeated anti social behaviour by adults.
Respect Orders are a new behavioural order, designed to help police, local authorities and housing associations take more effective action against relentless offenders whose ASB is impacting local neighbourhoods.
The order enables courts to ban adult offenders from engaging in specified activities relating to their ASB – for example, public drinking on a particular high street.
Respect Orders can also include positive requirements which compel individuals to take action to address behaviours, like undertaking drug or alcohol treatment.
Breach of a Respect Order will be a criminal offence and perpetrators could face arrests, fines, community sentences and – in the most serious cases – prison sentences of up to two years.
They fill a significant gap in the previous ASB powers, giving local agencies stronger enforcement capability to tackle the most relentless adult ASB offenders and provide relief to affected communities and victims.
Respect Orders are part of the Government’s flagship Crime and Policing Act. Ministers say the Act represents the biggest package of measures on crime and policing for decades, with new laws to cut crime and make our streets safer.
Matthew Barber, said: “Persistent anti-social behaviour is an unnecessary blight on local communities.
“Earlier this year, Thames Valley Police launched their ASB Action Plan setting out their commitment to delivering a consistent and visible response to ASB.
*The Plan has already increased activity; strengthening neighbourhood policing, making better use of data to identify repeat ASB hotspots and offenders, and working with partners to tackle root causes. Respect Orders will support this work; targeting repeat adult offenders.
“It is really important that residents continue to report anti-social behaviour. Reports ensure the police and partners build an accurate picture of local issues, help target resources more effectively and support action against persistent offenders.
“You can report ASB to Thames Valley Police via their online reporting tool”
Sean Woodcock MP said: “Persistent antisocial behaviour can have a real impact on people’s quality of life, leaving residents feeling frustrated and unable to enjoy their local high streets and public spaces.
“Respect Orders are a welcome step forward from Labour, giving the authorities more effective ways to intervene when individuals ignore the rules and disrupt life for others. It is right that those responsible are held accountable and that there are opportunities to help people change their behaviour where this can make a difference.”
Sarah Jones MP, Minister for Policing and Crime said: “Everyone deserves to feel safe in their local neighbourhood, and nobody should have to put up with persistent antisocial behaviour that blights their community.
“This is about delivering on our commitment to safer streets and stronger communities, ensuring that persistent antisocial behaviour is tackled and that residents can feel proud of and safe in the places they call home.”