Asbo overhaul plans revealed

The Government has unveiled new plans to tackle anti-social behaviour by enabling police with better powers.

The Home Office has said that authorities would be forced to take action if several people in the same neighbourhood complain or if one victim complains three times with no action being taken.

Under the new measures police will have the power to confiscate prized possessions such as iPods etc.

Crime Prevention injunctions have been designed to discourage bad behaviour escalating.This injunction would carry a civil burden of proof, making it quicker and easier to obtain than previous tools.

For adults, breach of the injunction could see imprisonments or fines being imposed. For under-18s a breach could be dealt with through curfews, supervision or detention.

A crime behaviour order has also been introduced which could ban an individual from certain activities or places. The order would be issued after a conviction and require an individual to address their behaviour.

A breach would see an individual face a maximum five year prison term.

Community protection orders would also enable local authorities to crack down on persistent environmental ASB (Anti-social behaviour) like graffiti, neighbour noise or dog fouling; and another for police and local authorities to deal with more serious disorder and criminality in a specific place such as closing a property used for drug dealing.

Crime Prevention Minister James Brokenshire said: "For too long anti-social behaviour has wreaked havoc in our communities and ruined decent people's lives.

"It is time for a new approach that better supports victims and makes it easier for the authorities to take fast, effective action.

"This consultation sets out how we propose to tackle this stubborn problem, ensuring the most vulnerable in our communities are protected from the cowards and bullies who carry on in such an offensive manner.

"It is important there is no let-up - local areas must continue to use the most appropriate powers available to them."