Govt to intensify efforts against antisocial behaviour
Thursday, 08 May 2008 18:46
Police will be allowed to follow rowdy groups
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Home secretary Jacqui Smith is planning a crackdown on antisocial behaviour which will see rowdy groups openly filmed by police.
In a speech in London today, Ms Smith turned the tables on the Conservatives, who have been accusing Labour of going soft on its 'respect agenda' by closing down its respect unit and emphasising youth clubs.
The home secretary conceded the number of anti-social behaviour orders are falling, but stressed that emphasis is being placed on parental orders instead.
"There is no let-up in tackling antisocial behaviour," she said.
"We know that getting in early to stop troublemakers works, but I want stronger action to deal with persistent offenders.
"I want police and local agencies to focus on them by giving them a taste of their own medicine: daily visits, repeated warnings and relentless filming of offenders to create an environment where there is nowhere to hide," she concluded.
Ms Smith urged national police forces to follow the example of Essex police, which has implemented an operation in which persistent offenders are filmed and repeatedly stopped.
And she announced £250,000 of funding this year for an antisocial behaviour "action squad" which will "inject new drive" in the take-up of powers tackling the problem.
"If persistent offenders know that they will be able to get away with it, then they will by definition persistently offend," she said.
"We need to send them a strong message."