[KF] As part of a drive to ensure that antisocial behaviour is dealt with more swiftly and effectively, the Home Secretary Alan Johnson announced improvements to the measures available to tackle the harmful impact of disorder and harassment that can make life a misery for local residents.
The last 12 years has seen a raft of specially tailored new powers, introduced to tackle antisocial behaviour in all its forms, including ASBOs, Dispersal Orders and, most recently - Premises Closure Orders.
Latest figures from the British Crime Survey show there has been a fall in perception people have of antisocial behaviour as a problem in their area over the last six years.
The new measures now announced include:
Better support for victims of antisocial behaviour.
For the first time, all victims taking a stand in the Magistrates Courts against offenders whose antisocial behaviour is blighting communities will be offered help by the Victim Support's witness service. This will include:
Almost £2.8 million over the next two years will be available for a network of 85 victims and witness champions, to be set up in priority areas across the country to stand alongside victims, delivering practical help to those taking a stand. This will include:
Driving up prosecutions when ASBOs are breached.
There will be a clear expectation that local areas (crime disorder reduction partnerships - council, police and social landlords) ensure court action is taken against those who break the law by breaching ASBOs.
A new assessment will be implemented, with commitment from the Justice Secretary and the Attorney General, of how breaches are currently being dealt with.
There will be new cross CJS guidance on dealing effectively with breaches.
Across the country, in 62 areas where more than 25% of the public feel antisocial behaviour is a big problem, support will be available to help introduce improvements. Each area will be offered a visit from an antisocial behaviour delivery expert in the next three months to help identify problems and, where needed, deploy the antisocial behaviour action squad to help drive up performance.
More Further Measures to Combat ASB
