Anti-Social Behaviour

Alcohol seized from underage youths in Witney

Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) is seen as a key element in reducing the fear of crime.

Two Police Officers on secondment to the District Council are part of the Anti-Social Behaviour team.

Using powers under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, anti-social behaviour can be reported online by completing the 'Report Anti-Social Behaviour form.

HOW ASB IS TACKLED

Anti-social behaviour is often a top priority identified by residents.

Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs) and Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) can effectively address these problems and may be obtained on several grounds. These include:

Violence or threats of violence
Verbal abuse
Alcohol or solvent abuse in public places
Intimidating gatherings of people in public places
Damage to property (including graffiti)
Racist behaviour etc.

THE TOWN CENTRE DISORDER SCHEME

In town centres, anyone that receives a fixed penalty notice for urinating in public or being drunk and disorderly will be sent a warning letter by the anti-social behaviour team. Their details are kept on record and if they re-offend, then an ABC can be considered.

ABCs

An ABC is an individual written agreement by a young person with a partner agency and the police. They agree not to carry on with certain identifiable acts, such as harassment, graffiti, criminal damage and verbal abuse.
They have proved effective as a means of encouraging young adults, children and parents to take responsibility for unacceptable behaviour.
ABCs form part of an early intervention to stop bad behaviour and to warn parents/guardians of possible repercussions should the behaviour continue.

What happens if an ABC is breached?

There must always be a response to a breach. The Partnership will consider the circumstances and decide upon the best course of action. Where necessary, other officers would be involved in this decision.

Anti-Social Behaviour Orders

ASBOs are civil orders that exist to protect the public from behaviour that causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

An order contains conditions to stop the offender from specific anti-social acts or entering defined areas and is effective for a minimum of two years. ASBOs have been shown to be an effective tool but is the last stage of a structured approach to tackling anti-social behaviour.