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30 March 2006
Local authorities in England and Wales are continuing to take action against anti-social behaviour, according to the latest set of quarterly ASBO statistics published today.
Figures for the period April 1999 to September 2005 shows the total number of ASBOs issued (as reported to the Home Office) stood at 7,356 on 30 September 2005.
Of these, 816 were issued between July and September 2005, representing 11 per cent of the total number of all ASBOs issued. This is down 132 (14 per cent) on the previous quarter (April to June 2005), but a rise of 54 (7 per cent) on the same quarter last year. Of those ASBOs issued, 55% were to adults and 43% to juveniles.
Home Office Minister Hazel Blears said:
"Anti-social behaviour can be a harrowing experience that no one should have to endure. Today's statistics show that local authorities, the police and the courts are not hesitating to use ASBOs to clamp down on the problem.
"I am extremely encouraged that they continue to be used. Over the past twelve months we have seen enthusiastic take-up of ASBOs, which sends out a clear message to those people who persist in this behaviour that action will be taken against them."
Notes to Editors
- An anti-social behaviour order (ASBO) is a civil order which protects the community from behaviour that causes harassment, alarm or distress. ASBOs were introduced in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and have been available since April 1999. They impose restrictions on the behaviour of individuals who have behaved in an anti-social way and protect communities from often longstanding and intimidating activity. As they are civil orders, a person who receives an ASBO does not have a criminal record. Although ASBOs are civil orders, the court must be satisfied to a criminal burden of proof – beyond reasonable doubt – before making an order. The use of hearsay and third party evidence is permitted in order to protect witnesses and victims.
- New ASBO statistics for the period July to September 2005, can be found at http://www.crimereduction.gov.uk/asbos2.htm (new window)
- Statistics on the numbers of anti-social behaviour orders issued are reported to the Home Office by the Courts. The Home Office will be working with Her Majesty's Court Service (HMCS) to address current concerns about a degree of under-reporting of ASBOs in some areas.
- ASBOs are one of a range of tools that are available aimed at improving and modifying anti-social behaviour, along with staged warnings, Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs), fixed penalty notices and parenting contracts. Individual Support Orders (ISOs) can be attached to ASBOs for 10-17 year-olds and are a positive means of addressing the underlying causes of unacceptable and damaging behaviour.
- For more information on the work the Government is doing to tackle anti-social behaviour, please go to: www.TOGETHER.gov.uk
