The Home Office has introduced new Respect Orders that could see persistent antisocial behaviour offenders banned from town centres and handed prison sentences of up to two years.
The orders, which come into force from Monday, are designed to fill a gap in the existing antisocial behaviour powers available to police and councils. Transport networks and housing associations will also be able to apply for a Respect Order under the new rules.
What counts as antisocial behaviour
Antisocial behaviour is defined as “behaviour by a person which causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to persons not of the same household as the person” under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
The Metropolitan Police distinguish between 15 types of antisocial behaviour, including disruptive unlicensed drinking in public spaces, littering and “general nuisance behaviour”.
Breaching a Respect Order will be a criminal offence punishable by up to two years in jail. The orders apply to adults, while troublemakers under 18 can receive an existing Youth Injunction which includes both prohibitions and requirements.
Minister and police response
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “Unchecked, anti-social behaviour blights our communities. But it is not inevitable and I won’t accept it.
“For too long, we have lacked the powers we need to deal with this problem properly. From today, that changes: authorities will be able to take tough action against these offenders.
“This delivers on a commitment we made to the British people in our manifesto. And, most importantly, those who make life a misery for others will now face the consequences of their actions.”
Catherine Akehurst, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for anti-social behaviour, said: “We welcome the new legislation to introduce Respect Orders, which will provide police and partner agencies additional tools to tackle anti-social behaviour, which we know can so often undermine a sense of safety in communities, erode pride in neighbourhoods, and diminish overall quality of life.
“This new tool will enable swift enforcement against prolific offenders, while prioritising rehabilitation and support to break cycles of criminal and anti-social behaviour.”
