ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

What Is Anti-Social Behaviour?

Difficult to define, it is different things to different people.

It has been defined as a repeated pattern of behaviour that affects quality of life of other individuals.

It is important to point out that it is not just young people who act in an anti-social manner. Adults are also more than capable of behaving in ways that have a very negative effect on quality of life.

Anti-Social Behaviour Orders

As a result of the number of calls we receive, it seems that most people are familiar with, or have heard of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders. These, along with a number of other orders were made available as a result of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

Anti-social Behaviour orders (ASBOs) are only one method available to us to deal with the problem. There are a number of other methods that can be used before these. Often it is not necessary to use these orders. It is often the case that something as simple as talking to parents about their child’s behaviour can have a positive effect. It may be the case that we need to offer support to people, rather than use enforcement.

Acceptable behaviour contracts (ABCs) are often used. These are contracts that can be agreed to modify a person’s behaviour, from the age of 10 years old. An agreed set of standards is drawn up between the perpetrator and the relevant agencies and voluntarily signed [not compulsory]. The contract is for a 12 month period. If broken, it may well be that that evidence is used in the application for an ASBO.

ASBOs can be granted to a person from the age of 10, they have a minimum period of two years and no maximum. Prohibitions are imposed by magistrates depending on the behaviour that has been displayed. They are applied for by way of a civil court, therefore, hearsay evidence can be used. This helps the applicant where difficulties arise from people not wanting to give evidence due to fear of recriminations. ASBOs can be applied for by the Police, Local Authorities, British Transport Police and Registered Social Landlords.

As a result of the Police Reform Act 2002 (PRA) Interim ASBOs can be applied for. These allow applicants to apply for a temporary order whilst evidence is gathered for a full order. Breach of an Interim ASBO is an offence and as such the courts can impose the same penalties as for breach of a full order.

They can be a very powerful tool in the battle against anti-social behaviour, but not the only tool. It is sometimes apparent that there is a view that ASBOs are a quick and easy solution. This is not the case. They take time to obtain for a variety of reasons. This often leads to frustration for victims. It needs to be made clear that they do take time, if care is not taken when putting in an application, they may not be successful.

Effects of Anti-Social Behaviour

Anti-social behaviour can have very negative effect on communities and as such needs to be dealt with. Communities themselves can often bring a stop to anti-social behaviour by sending out a message to perpetrators that it will not be tolerated. This can be done in a number of  ways.

For further information or advice on anti-social behaviour, please contact the Local Authoruty Liaison Office, Karen Fitzpatrick, by telephone at 01282 661971 or by email at karen.fitzpatrick@pendle.gov.uk