Rotherham ASBOs a success, says expert: VOTE

AN anti-social behaviour specialist has defended the use of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders this week in light of proposals to scrap them.

Pc Jim Walsh said that the vast majority of ASBOs issued in Rotherham had been effective, despite national figures showing that more than 70 per cent have been breached.

The coalition Government plans to get rid of ASBOs and replace them with other measures after Ministry of Justice statistics showed that more than 5,500 people had been jailed for breaching orders since they were introduced in 1999.

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But Pc Walsh defended the tool, insisting: “Around 95 per cent of of ASBOs issued in Rotherham work, but they are pretty much a last resort in tackling anti-social behaviour.

“How to rid the streets of anti-social behaviour entirely is a huge question, but I know we work extremely hard in Rotherham to jump on something as soon as it develops.”

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As part of a government shake-up, 19 different powers, including ASBOs, are to be replaced by five new orders including gang-related violence injunctions—known as “gangbos”—aimed at stubbing out problems before they arise.

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The new measures include police investigating all incidents reported by at least five people—known as “community triggers”— and allowing them to force culprits to fix things immediately. Teenagers could also be detained for repeatedly breaching orders.

Gang related-violence injunctions are already in force and in some cases outstrip ASBO punishments.

Gangbos can restrict a person’s movement, who they can associate with, the times they can be out in public, the clothing they wear and pets that they can keep.

Despite defending ASBOs, Mr Walsh conceded that he believed the changes would make things less complicated.

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“Contrary to public opinion, the new plans would make things simpler,” he said. “It’s about early intervention with us and isolating people who are creating a problem in the community.”

Gangbos can be granted by the civil courts if the local council or the police can show that there is a 50/50 chance that a person has been involved in gang-related violence and it is thought necessary either to prevent a repeat, or for their own protection.    

New online crime maps for England and Wales have been launched, allowing users to see which offences have been reported in their local streets.

Mr Walsh said he thought this was a good idea and dismissed claims that it would increase fear among residents.

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“It is a good thing.” he said. “But if you want to know what is happening around your area you only need to contact the Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT), so the crime map isn’t that different to what we already do.

“I think the last Government did a good job in addressing the issue, and the current measures will add to the good work.”