§ 13. Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to tackle antisocial behaviour and disorder in communities. [29861]
§ Mr. DenhamThe Government are taking urgent action to tackle antisocial behaviour and disorder. My right hon. Friend, the Home Secretary, has already outlined the measures we are taking to increase the effectiveness of antisocial behaviour order (ASBOs). These include proposals to
extend the power to apply for ASBOs to the British Transport Police and registered Social Landlordsintroduce an interim ASBO that can be issued prior to a full hearingextend the power to make ASBOs to county courtsallowing ASBOs to 'travel with the person' in circumstances where the behaviour is likely to be repeated elsewhere.We are also speeding up the youth justice system as well as bringing in new community sentences for youth offenders such as Final Warnings, Child Safety Orders and Parenting Orders. Additionally, in the Police Reform Bill we propose new powers for the extended police family to tackle anti-social behaviour.
§ 25. Kevin BrennanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the use of antisocial behaviour orders in south Wales. [29873]
§ Mr. DenhamSouth Wales police were granted four ASBOs between April 1999 and September 2001. Applications are in progress in a number of other cases.
South Wales police have a six-step strategy for dealing with antisocial behaviour, the application for an ASBO is the final step in that strategy. Other measures for dealing with antisocial behaviour include Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs), prosecutions, warning letters, diversion schemes, mediation schemes and multi-agency case conferences.
§ 28. Mr. HendryTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to help the police tackle antisocial behaviour in small towns and villages. [29876]
§ Mr. DenhamWe have introduced a range of measures to tackle antisocial behaviour, which apply equally in all areas of the country. These include antisocial behaviour orders, child curfews and changes to the youth justice system. In addition, we have introduced new community sentences for youth offenders including Reparation Orders, Final Warnings, Child Safety Orders and Parenting Orders. We have also made additional funding available for the reduction of rural crime.
§ 31. Mr. BorrowTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many antisocial behaviour orders have been successfully applied for in the area covered by the Lancashire constabulary. [29879]
658W
§ Mr. DenhamFrom the introduction of antisocial behaviour orders in April 1999 to the end of September 2001 (the last point to which data are available), 16 orders have been granted to the Lancashire Constabulary.