HC Deb 04 April 2001 vol 366 cc214-5W
Mr. Paul Marsden

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the effectiveness of the use of anti-social behaviour orders in the Shrewsbury Division of West Mercia constabulary. [156505]

Mr. Charles Clarke

We do not monitor the effectiveness of individual orders centrally. However, I understand from West Mercia police that six anti-social behaviour orders have been issued in the Shrewsbury Division. The orders have all been very effective. Four of them have been targeted on the ringleaders of a gang threatening residents in a village within the Division. Since the orders have been in force, the anti-social behaviour has stopped, and the remaining members of the gang have dispersed.

This is a fine example of what we set out to achieve with anti-social behaviour orders, and I congratulate West Mercia police on obtaining them.