Government’s Plan to Bring Back ASBOs to Combat Rise in ‘Hooliganism’
Failure to adhere to the new “respect” civil orders could result in criminal prosecution if breached, potentially leading to two years in prison, fines, or unpaid work.
The government is preparing to introduce revamped versions of anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) to address thuggish and intimidating behavior by repeat offenders more effectively.
Individuals causing chaos in towns and neighborhoods may face up to two years of imprisonment for violating the new “respect” orders, according to the Home Office.
Although the orders themselves will be civil matters, not criminal, non-compliance with them—outlined in Labour’s election manifesto as part of the party’s commitment to “reinforce law and order on our streets”—will constitute a criminal offense.
Courts could impose unlimited fines, order offenders to perform unpaid work or adhere to a curfew, and even incarcerate them.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper referred to the orders as a “modernized version” of ASBOs introduced by the previous Labour government in 1998 to address juvenile delinquency.
The proposed measures aim to address anti-social behavior promptly to prevent further harm caused by the most serious offenders, the statement explained as Cooper revealed how the orders would operate in reality.
According to Cooper, many town centers and neighborhoods are besieged by anti-social behavior that undermines community confidence, jeopardizes local businesses, and significantly affects victims.
Respect orders will empower the police and councils to combat recurring anti-social behavior and ensure that repeat offenders face the consequences of their actions.
With approximately a million incidents of alleged anti-social behavior reported to the police in the year leading up to September 2023, police and councils will be granted the authority to prohibit persistent offenders from town centers or public places, with the ability to arrest violators.
Violators might be required to participate in anger management classes or seek treatment for drug and alcohol dependency to address the root causes of their behavior under the new plans.
The Home Office stated that existing laws would be amended to eliminate warnings before seizing vehicles, allowing authorities to swiftly address issues like off-road bike use in parks or dangerous e-scooters on pavements.
The new orders will partially replace civil injunction powers for adults to provide a broader range of penalties for offenders.
Asked whether these actions signaled the return of ASBOs, Cooper affirmed that this was a modernized form of the measures to tackle anti-social behavior in town centers.
Harvinder Saimbhi, CEO of victim support charity ASB Help, commended the approach of addressing anti-social behavior’s root causes to reduce reoffense rates and bring relief to victims and communities.
The government plans to introduce these measures as part of a Crime and Policing Bill in Parliament, with a trial run to ensure their effectiveness before implementing them nationwide in England and Wales.
PA Media contributed to this report.
