§ Stephen HesfordTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further measures he is taking to tackle anti-social behaviour. [42898]
§ Mr. DenhamTackling anti-social behaviour is a priority for the Government. We have included legislative changes in the Police Reform Bill that will improve the effectiveness of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs). We will be issuing revised guidance to all agencies involved in the process of obtaining ASBOs in order that they can make maximum use of this valuable sanction measure.
The Bill also includes measures that will enable the police to enlist the assistance of their own civilian staff as well as the staff of other agencies in the community in tackling anti-social behaviour. Chief officers will be able to appoint support staff from their civilian ranks to provide a visible presence in the community and exercise limited powers to deal with a range of crime, including those which constitute anti-social behaviour. A similar role is also proposed for some of those staff from other agencies who are already working with the police in the community, such as street wardens, and environmental health officers.
Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships throughout the country are appointing co-ordinators for action against anti-social behaviour. They will be responsible for ensuring that robust local strategies, based on the needs of their communities, are in place.
Finally, under the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 we introduced fixed penalty fines for a number of disorder offences including disorderly behaviour while drunk in a public place and the throwing of fireworks in a throughfare. This provision will be piloted within five police areas this summer.
§ Jeff EnnisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many ASBOs have been issued by South Yorkshire police in each of the last two years; [68866]
(2) how many Acceptable Behaviour Contracts have been issued in South Yorkshire in the last 12 months. [68865]
§ Mr. DenhamData on the number of Acceptable Behaviour Contracts are not collected centrally.
Anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) were introduced from 1 April 1999 and up to 31 May 2000 data were collected on the total number of ASBOs issued by police force area only. These data do not include information on the applicant. The table shows the number of ASBOs reported to the Home Office from 1 June 2000 to 31 December 2001.
558W
Number of anti-social behaviour orders reported to the Home Office and issued within South Yorkshire from 1 June 2000 to 31 December 2001 Year Number where applicant was the police Total number issued June to December 2000 1 1 January to December 2001 1 4 We are currently considering whether any further checks are needed to ensure the accuracy of the number of ASBOs reported.
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many anti-social behaviour orders have been issued in Hampshire; and if he will make a statement. [46442]
§ Mr. DenhamAnti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) were introduced from 1 April 1999. The latest available data covering the period up to the end of December 2001, show that seven ASBOs have been issued within Hampshire (including the Isle of Wight).
We are currently considering whether any further checks are needed to ensure the accuracy of the number of ASBOs reported.