Respect Orders launched to combat persistent anti-social behaviour across England and Wales
Policing Minister Sarah Jones visited Hemel Hempstead to see how police will use the new powers.
Respect Orders come into force across England and Wales today (Monday, October 26), giving courts new powers to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour.
The orders can ban offenders from places such as town centres and public spaces, or require them to attend drug or alcohol treatment. Breaching an order will be a criminal offence, with offenders potentially facing prison.
Policing Minister Sarah Jones visited Hemel Hempstead last week to hear about local concerns ahead of the launch.
She said: “Everyone is fed up of repeat offenders of antisocial behaviour.”
Ms Jones said persistent offenders could make life “miserable for everybody else”, adding that the new powers would give police, councils and housing associations a way to impose conditions with “significant consequences” for those who break them.
David Taylor, Labour MP for Hemel Hempstead, described the orders as “an amazing first step”.
He said anti-social behaviour accounted for around a tenth of his constituency casework, including loud music, disruptive vehicles and bicycles being ridden through pedestrianised areas.
Hertfordshire's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Jonathan Ash-Edwards also welcomed the measures, but warned their success would depend on the courts and police following through.
He said: “The proof will be in the pudding,” adding that courts needed to process applications promptly and the criminal justice system must act when orders were breached.
Mr Ash-Edwards said Hertfordshire Police had already identified individuals for whom they intended to apply for orders.
Impact on local communities
Jacqui Sheppard, manager of Liberty Tea Rooms and Community Hub in Hemel Hempstead, said anti-social behaviour involving electric bikes and scooters was becoming a concern.
“I recently saw a little young child, she was probably about three or four, nearly get knocked over,” she said, describing how the rider did not stop to apologise.
She said the behaviour could be particularly intimidating for older people and families with young children.
“We want everyone to feel happy and safe and to enjoy their experience coming into town,” she said.
Ms Sheppard welcomed the introduction of Respect Orders, saying: “It sounds quite interesting. It sounds like there are lots of avenues that they can actually explore in stopping all of this.”
However, she stressed that enforcement should be accompanied by support for people experiencing addiction, homelessness and poverty.
“It shouldn't just be a case of giving someone a wrap over the knuckles,” she said.