Lancashire to trial new anti-social behaviour scheme

The Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan aims to establish a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of anti-social behaviour, and give the police and local authorities the tools they need to tackle the problem.

Under the plan, 16 areas in England and Wales, including Lancashire, will receive around £2 million in funding to support either new ‘hotspot’ police and enforcement patrols in areas with the highest rates of anti-social behaviour, or trial a new ‘Immediate Justice’ scheme to deliver swift and visible punishments.

A select few areas will trial both interventions, with both schemes set to be rolled out across England and Wales from 2024.

Lancashire is one of the hotspot trial areas, and will see an increase in police presence alongside other uniformed authority figures, such as wardens, in problem areas for anti-social behaviour.

Under the Immediate Justice scheme, those found committing anti-social behaviour will be made to repair the damage they caused.

The Government wants offenders put to work within 48 hours of the crime being committed, and forced to wear high-vis vests or jumpsuits and work under supervision in public.

Punishments could including litter picking, removing graffiti and washing police cars, and victims of anti-social behaviour from the local community will be given a say in offenders’ punishments to ensure justice is visible and fits the crime.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Anti-social behaviour undermines the basic right of people to feel safe in the place they call home.

“The public have rightly had enough – which is why I am determined to restore people’s confidence that those responsible will be quickly and visibly punished.

“This action plan maps out how we will tackle this issue with the urgency it deserves and stamp out these crimes once and for all – so that wherever you live, you can feel safe in, and proud of your community.”

The trials will be launched as soon as possible and follows research that anti-social behaviour is the main reason people do not feel safe in their local area.

Under the zero-tolerance approach, nitrous oxide - also known as laughing gas - will also be outlawed.

Andrew Snowden, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire said: "This is fantastic news for Lancashire.

"Anti-social behaviour isn’t a minor crime or is it acceptable. It makes life miserable for so many and it can be a gateway to more serious crimes.

"This boost will mean increased, visible police patrols, dedicated to tackling anti-social behaviour and the issues that matter most to people.

"It is vital for community confidence these crimes will be quickly and visibly addressed."

Lancashire Police's Chief Constable Chris Rowley said: "Where left unchecked, anti-social behaviour can have an overwhelming impact on its victims and, in some cases, the wider community.

“Everyone has the right to be safe and feel safe in Lancashire and we are committed to working with our communities and partners to tackle anti-social behaviour.

“We look at all the incidents reported to us across the county and make sure we have a local pro-active, operational response in place where it is required and use all the legislation available to us including Criminal Behaviour Orders, Dispersal orders and other tools.

“However, there is always more that can be done and this extra funding is very welcome. It will help to further strengthen our resources and boost the good work already underway in Lancashire to tackle antisocial behaviour.”

Sara Britcliffe, Conservative MP for Hyndburn, added: “I am delighted the Government is investing £2m in Lancashire to increase police presence and fight anti-social behaviour.

“I am also particularly pleased to see councils given more power over fly-tipping."

Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, Cllr Phil Riley said: "Everyone understands the impact of anti-social behaviour but you need to wait and see whether these suggestions, some of which the police can do already, will have the desired affect the government would hope for.

"Any council recognises from the contact made to them that anti-social behaviour has a huge impact on ordinary people's lives. The question is whether these changes are going to make any difference or whether they're just part of a propaganda exercise by the government."

READ MORE: Labour's Keir Starmer slams government's crime 'sticking plasters' for Lancashire

County council Labour leader, Cllr Azhar Ali said: "Any funding is always welcomed.

"In Lancashire we've lost more than 600 police officers in the last 12 years, so it will be interesting to see how this extra money is utilised.

"Lancashire is plagued with anti-social behaviour but despite the numerous PR stunts and social media blitz from the crime commissioner, he's failed to address it.

"People still feel vulnerable and afraid. This commissioner's record is abysmal. I just hope the funding is put to good use and the courts in partnership with probation and the police can convict people for anti-social behaviour quickly and prevent people from being out on the streets causing havoc."

Police will also be given new powers to crack down on illegal drug use including expanding powers for drug testing on arrest.

A new online reporting tool will also be developed over the next 12 months sp people can quickly and easily report incidents of anti-social behaviour.

Other measures announced include:

• Increasing the punishment for those who graffiti, litter or fly tip with fines of up to £500 and £1,000
• Giving landlords and housing associations more powers to evict unruly tenants
• Giving councils new powers to quickly take control and sell off empty buildings
• An anti-social behaviour taskforce bringing together national and local partners
• Extra hours of youth services in areas with the highest rates of anti-social behaviour
• Tackling ‘cuckooing’
• £5m to improve parks and green spaces

The government has also announced 43 youth centres are to benefit from the next £90 million investment from the Youth Investment Fund.