Perpetrators of anti-social behaviour will face swift and visible justice, increased fines and enhanced drug testing as part of a new crackdown launched by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak today.
Delivering on the Prime Minister’s pledge earlier this year to clamp down on these crimes, the Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan, will make sure that this issue is treated with the urgency it deserves, 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 will be funded 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.
Hyndburn and Haslingden MP Sara Britcliffe has previously called on more support to tackle anti-social behaviour. The MP raised the matter with the Home Secretary in the House of Commons in February 2023, calling on more to be done to address the issue for individuals and businesses.
Further to the Government's announcement Andrew Snowden, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire, welcomed news that Lancashire is set to benefit from £2m in funding over the next two years for the ‘hotspot’ trailblazer, after being selected as a pilot area for the Government's new ASB Action Plan.
Hotspot trailblazer areas will see an increase in police presence alongside other uniformed authority figures, such as wardens, in problem areas for anti-social behaviour, including public transport and high streets or parks. The increased presence will help deter anti-social behaviour, step up enforcement action against offenders, make sure crimes are punished more quickly and drive deterrence efforts, helping to stop anti-social behaviour spiralling into more serious criminality.
Among other measures also announced by the Government, there will also be increased punishment for those who graffiti, litter or fly tip with fines of up to £500 and £1,000– council league tables will be published for fly tipping, and the Government will work with the Office for Local Government to increase transparency and improve accountability on antisocial behaviour outcomes. In addition, the Government hopes to reopen empty shops by giving councils new powers to quickly take control and sell off empty buildings.
Commenting, Sara Britcliffe MP said:
Crime, and specifically antisocial behaviour, is one of my top priorities. I know how much of a misery it can cause for individuals and businesses.
While neighbourhood crime has reduced 18% since I was elected in 2019, I am determined to do more. That is why I am delighted the Government is investing £2million in Lancashire Police to increase police presence and fight anti-social behaviour.
I am also particularly pleased to see council’s given more power over fly-tipping. Again, Hyndburn Council under the stewardship of a Conservative cabinet member, have reduced incidences of fly-tipping, but it is helpful that we will now have the backing to go even further to tackle this blight on our landscapes.
Andrew Snowden, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire said:
This is fantastic news for Lancashire and will go a long way towards addressing the devastating impact anti-social behaviour has on communities.
Anti-social behaviour isn’t a minor crime or is it acceptable here in Lancashire. It makes life miserable for so many and it can be a gateway to more serious crimes. It's an issue residents raise with me time and time again, and I'm pleased that Lancashire’s voice is being heard.
This boost will mean increased, visible police patrols, dedicated to tackling anti-social behaviour and the issues that matter most to people.
Utilising money from government, and money seized from criminals through my Safer Lancashire Neighbourhoods Fund, I will continue to deal with root causes to reduce the impact this has on people across the county and ensure they, rightly, feel safe wherever they are.
It is vital for community confidence that these crimes will be quickly and visibly addressed. Wherever in Lancashire people live, they should be able to feel proud of their community.
As I continue to lead the fight against crime in Lancashire, the Chief Constable has my full support in delivering my Fighting Crime Plan priorities proactively targeting offenders, and getting tough on anti-social behaviour.
Prime Minister, Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, 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.
