Hooligans who wreak havoc in Gedling borough’s towns and neighbourhoods could now face up to two years in jail for breaching so-called respect orders as the Government looks to crack down on anti-social behaviour.
Failing to comply with the orders will be a criminal offence.
As well as a prison sentence, courts could hand out unlimited fines and order those who flout the rules to carry out unpaid work or abide by a curfew, the Home Office said.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the orders as “a modernised version” of anti-social behaviour orders (Asbos) aimed at toughening action against repeat offenders.
The measures would make sure the “most serious offenders are dealt with before their behaviour can escalate and cause further harm”, the Government department said as Ms Cooper unveiled details on how the orders would work on Friday.
Too many town centres and neighbourhoods were being “plagued by anti-social behaviour” and this “chips away at communities’ sense of confidence and pride, undermines local businesses and can have a devastating impact on victims”, she said, adding: “This cannot be allowed to continue
“Respect orders will give police and councils the powers they need to crack down on repeated anti-social behaviour, keeping our communities safe and ensuring repeat offenders face the consequences of their actions.
“These new powers alongside thousands more neighbourhood officers and PCSOs will help this Government deliver on our mission to take back our streets.”
Police and councils will be handed powers to ban persistent offenders from town centres or from drinking in public places such as high streets and parks, with officers able to arrest anyone breaching their order.
Perpetrators could also be told to take anger management courses or attend rehabilitation treatment for drug and alcohol problems to address the causes of their behaviour under the plans.
Police will also no longer have to issue a warning before seizing vehicles, allowing forces to tackle the “scourge of off-road bikes in parks and dangerous e-scooters on pavements, street racing and cruising” quicker as well as disperse car meets which can sometimes attract hundreds of cars and lead to “loud aggressive engine revving and intimidating music”, the Home Office said.
The move signals the return of rules similar to anti-social behaviour orders (Asbos) which were previously in force in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and are still used in Scotland.
