Public order. New bid to combat antisocial behaviour

New measures were unveiled by the government last week to tackle
antisocial behaviour.

Fifty new “action areas” have been designated across the country,
and civil courts will be given new powers to direct individuals
issued with antisocial behaviour orders to undertake drug
treatment.

Parish councils will also get powers to issue on-the-spot fines for
dog-fouling, graffiti, litter, fly-posting and night-time noise.
Home secretary David Blunkett said there would be “no let up” on
the campaign, and commended local authorities for using the
dispersal powers including curfews for under-16s.

A survey by the Home Office published last week showed 2,633
antisocial behaviour orders and 5,383 acceptable behaviour
contracts have been issued over the past year.

In response to the announcement, many young people’s charities
warned the government was in danger of leaving children at further
risk of offending by failing to tackle the causes of antisocial
behaviour.