United Kingdom Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak on Monday, has launched new crackdown on perpetrators of anti- social behaviour, to face swift and visible justice, increased fines with enhanced drug testing.
Recall on the Prime Minister’s pledge earlier this year to clamp down on these crimes, which is the Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan, will make sure that this issue is treated with the urgency it deserves.
Establish a zero tolerance approach to all forms of anti-social behaviour, and give the police and other local authorities the tools they need to tackle the problem.
In a statement released by the UK government, stated that under the plan, 16 areas in England and Wales will be funded to support either new ‘hotspot’ police.
“And enforcement patrols in areas with the highest rates of anti-social behaviour, or trial a new ‘Immediate Justice’ scheme to deliver swift and visible punishments.
“A select few areas will trial both interventions, and following these initial trailblazers, both schemes will be rolled out across England and Wales from 2024.
Adding that hotspot trailblazer areas will see increase in police presence alongside other uniformed authority figures, such as wardens, in problem areas for anti-social behaviour, including public transport and high streets or parks.
“The increased presence will help deter anti-social behaviour, step up enforcement action against offenders, make sure crimes are punished more quickly and drive deterrence efforts, helping to stop anti-social behaviour spiralling into more serious criminality.
It stated further that under the new Immediate Justice scheme, those found committing anti-social behaviour will be made to repair the damage they inflicted on victims and communities.
“With an ambition for them to start work as soon as 48 hours after their offence so victims know antisocial behaviour is treated seriously and with urgency”.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Anti-social behaviour undermines the basic right of people to feel safe in the place they call home.
“The public have rightly had enough – which is why I am determined to restore people’s confidence that those responsible will be quickly and visibly punished.
“This action plan maps out how we will tackle this issue with the urgency it deserves and stamp out these crimes once and for all – so that wherever you live, you can feel safe in, and proud of your community.”
The statement noted that under the zero-tolerance approach, Nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” will also be banned to send a clear message to intimidating gangs, that hang around high streets and children’s parks and litter them with empty canisters, that they will not get away with this behaviour.
“The drug is now the third most used among 16 to 24-year-olds in England and both the police and public have repeatedly reported links between use of the drug and nuisance or anti-social behaviour”, UK govt said.