Johnson to crack down on Asbo breaches
Alan Johnson unveils package of measures aimed at cracking down on antisocial behaviour
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By inthenews. |  |
Tuesday, 13, Oct 2009 12:19
By Richard James.
Home secretary Alan Johnson has unveiled a package of measures aimed at cracking down on antisocial behaviour.
The pledges include extra help for victims of distributive behaviour and harsher punishments for those caught breaching antisocial behaviour orders (Asbos).
The new measures come on the back of the harrowing case of Fiona Pilkington, the woman who killed herself and her disabled daughter after receiving continual abuse at the hands of local youths.
The government and the Conservative party used the recent conference season to pledge fresh initiatives aimed at cracking down on local crime.
Mr Johnson announced on Tuesday all victims who now take to the stand against offenders whose antisocial behaviour is blighting communities will be offered help by the Victim Support's Witness Service.
Almost £2.8 million over the next two years for a network of 85 victims and witness champions will also be set up in priority areas across the country to stand alongside victims, delivering practical help to those taking a stand.
The Home Office said the measures would include ensuring more people get support as victims of antisocial behaviour, more joined up services where they already exist, and a single local referral point for all victim and witnesses.
Prosecutions for breaching Asbos will also be increased, with a clear expectation that court action is taken against through who disobey the restrictions placed on them.
Commenting Mr Johnson said: "I made it clear when I first became home secretary that dealing with anti-social behaviour is my top priority. The public rightly expects to live in neighbourhoods free from the corrosive effects of intimidation and harassment.
"I want to see both police and local authorities using the powers they have been given in a way that is effective and responds to peoples' needs at the right time.
"This may be tougher for some areas than for others, but communities will have to work together to show that anti-social behaviour is something that we tackle, rather than tolerate."
He added it was vital that those on the receiving end of intimidation and abuse "must not be made to feel like they are the ones causing a problem when they come forward".
"We have made good progress in tackling anti-social behaviour over the years by introducing wide ranging tools and powers that are proven to work," the home secretary continued.
"The public's overall perception of anti-social behaviour in their communities is also falling. But there is more work to be done; taking tough action against breaches of Asbos through the courts is extremely important."