Government ‘Respect Orders’ to crack down on anti-social behaviour

Individuals responsible for anti-social behaviour, which can be a blight on local communities, are to face tougher restrictions under new powers announced by the government. 

Named ‘Respect Orders’, the new powers will give the police and local councils powers to ban persistent offenders from town centres or from drinking in public spaces, such as high streets and local parks.

Existing legislation is also being amended to allow the police to seize nuisance off-road bikes - and other vehicles which are used in an anti-social manner - without having to first give a warning to the offender.

Failure to comply with Respect Orders will be a criminal offence and police will have the ability to immediately arrest anybody who is breaching their Respect Order.

The new powers are being introduced as part of the forthcoming Crime and Policing Bill and a pilot is to be run ahead of a national rollout to ensure they are as effective as possible.

 

Writing on the government website, Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper explains: 

“Too many town centres and neighbourhoods across our country are being plagued by anti-social behaviour, be it street drinking, harassment or vandalism on the high street or noisy and intimidating off-road bikes terrorising our estates.

“Antisocial behaviour chips away at communities’ sense of confidence and pride, undermines local businesses and can have a devastating impact on victims. 

“This cannot be allowed to continue. Respect Orders will give police and councils the powers they need to crack down on repeated anti-social behaviour, keeping our communities safe and ensuring repeat offenders face the consequences of their actions. We will also make it easier to seize the vehicles causing misery in too many neighbourhoods, including deafening off-road bikes or e-scooters ridden dangerously on the pavement.

“These new powers alongside thousands more neighbourhood officers and PCSOs will help this government deliver on our mission to take back our streets.

“As well as prison sentences of up to two years, criminal courts will also be able to issue unlimited fines and community orders, such as unpaid work, and curfews as punishment for breaching a Respect Order. This will ensure that the most serious offenders are dealt with before their behaviour can escalate and cause further harm.

“Enhanced powers will complement the government’s commitment to restoring neighbourhood policing in England and Wales. The Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee will bring back police patrols to town centres, recruit thousands of additional officers to neighbourhood roles and ensure every community has a named local officer to turn to.”

 

Commenting on the news, Paul Howe, Managing Director, Venture Security, said:

“Anti-social behaviour can have a broad and lasting impact on individuals and communities who are subjected to it, so anything that can help in reducing the problem, such as the new Respect Orders, is very welcome.

“For the past seven years, our officers at Venture Security have been working closely with local partners to help tackle the problem within towns, city centres and other known hotspots.

“The presence of our uniformed officers can be very reassuring for residents and visitors, giving them a visible point of contact, whilst also acting as a deterrent. They are then fully trained to manage any anti-social behaviour they do encounter and we’re proud to say they continue to have a tangible impact within the areas in which they are active.”

 

What is anti-social behaviour?

Anti-social behaviour is defined as any action that cause harassment, alarm, or distress to individuals or communities. This can include a wide range of activities such as vandalism, graffiti, public drunkenness or drug use, aggressive begging, and the misuse of fireworks. Essentially, any behaviour that disrupts the quality of life for others and undermines community cohesion can be considered anti-social.

 

How Venture Security is helping tackle anti-social behaviour

Venture Security supports local councils and Business Improvement Districts to tackle anti-social behaviour in towns, city centres and other key problem areas across the region, including within Winchester, Salisbury and Andover.

Following a partnership model that involves close collaboration with local authorities, the police and other first responders, local businesses, and community organisations, our trained and experienced officers help to deter and manage any issues. This includes directing individuals to the help and support they need.

Our officers have been responsible for assisting with the safe return of goods to local retailers worth thousands of pounds. They have also dealt with multiple medical emergencies and threatening situations, with the safety of the public and the individuals involved always the top priority. This has seen our team recognised with numerous awards for their quick-thinking and calm handling of challenging situations.

Most recently our officers have begun have a positive impact in both Salisbury and Trowbridge city centres, as part of a Safer Streets initiative funded by Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner. Our dedicated “Night Wardens” are helping protect and support vulnerable individuals, providing a reassuring presence during evening hours. Their mission being to address violence against women and girls, reduce anti-social behaviour, and enhance overall safety on the streets.

 

CSAS accreditation

Venture Security was one of the first security providers to be accredited under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS), a voluntary scheme that allows chief constables to grant certain low-level police powers to individuals involved in community safety. This enables accredited officers to address anti-social behaviour more effectively.

Venture’s accredited officers have been granted additional, low-level police powers, including:

  • Power to require giving of name and address
  • Power to require name and address for antisocial behaviour
  • Power to require persons aged under 18 to surrender alcohol
  • Power to seize tobacco from a person aged under 16
  • Power to deal with begging

You can find out more about the CSAS scheme by visiting – https://www.policecsas.com/

 

Find out more here

To find out more about how our officers are helping tackle anti-social behaviour, for the benefit of residents, retailers and visitors alike, please see:

 

Get in touch

Call us on 01264 391538 or email [email protected]