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22/04/2004
Specialist prosecutors set to target 'anti-social behaviour'
In a bid to tackle so-called anti-social behaviour, the Home Secretary has announced the creation of a specialist prosecutions team that will pursue problem offenders through the courts.
The prosecutors, stationed across the country, will be "local experts" in the types of powers available to tackle anti-social behaviour and are designed to be a central contact point for agencies dealing with the issue, according to the government.
The specialist prosecutors will be based in 12 areas: Manchester, South Yorkshire, Merseyside, West Midlands, London (Borough of Camden), Avon and Somerset, South Wales, Lancashire, West Mercia, Sussex, Kent, and Northumbria.
The new posts are being funded by the Home Office for two years, and will cost around £2 million.
The Home Secretary David Blunkett said that anti-social behaviour may appear to be "minor crime", but behind seemingly trivial charges is "often a community living in fear besieged by a reckless and out of control minority of thugs".
"Today's announcement is an important step as it closes the circle that starts out on the streets and ends in the courts," he said.
The attorney general, Lord Goldsmith, said that it was time the courts gave "more priority" to tackling anti-social behaviour.
He added: "These offences may be at the low end of the criminal calendar, but the effect they have on the lives of thousands of law-abiding citizens can be devastating – producing misery, trapping people in their own homes, living with neighbours from hell, running the gauntlet of thugs on the street corners, surrounded by vandalism and public disorder."
(gmcg)
The prosecutors, stationed across the country, will be "local experts" in the types of powers available to tackle anti-social behaviour and are designed to be a central contact point for agencies dealing with the issue, according to the government.
The specialist prosecutors will be based in 12 areas: Manchester, South Yorkshire, Merseyside, West Midlands, London (Borough of Camden), Avon and Somerset, South Wales, Lancashire, West Mercia, Sussex, Kent, and Northumbria.
The new posts are being funded by the Home Office for two years, and will cost around £2 million.
The Home Secretary David Blunkett said that anti-social behaviour may appear to be "minor crime", but behind seemingly trivial charges is "often a community living in fear besieged by a reckless and out of control minority of thugs".
"Today's announcement is an important step as it closes the circle that starts out on the streets and ends in the courts," he said.
The attorney general, Lord Goldsmith, said that it was time the courts gave "more priority" to tackling anti-social behaviour.
He added: "These offences may be at the low end of the criminal calendar, but the effect they have on the lives of thousands of law-abiding citizens can be devastating – producing misery, trapping people in their own homes, living with neighbours from hell, running the gauntlet of thugs on the street corners, surrounded by vandalism and public disorder."
(gmcg)
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05 March 2010
Anti-Social Diversion Project Praised
A project tackling antisocial behaviour in a popular Wigan park - which saw a 75% drop in calls to police - has been lauded by the Government. Operation Windburn ran in Mesnes Park last summer and was so successful that local authorities plan to repeat the project, which included coaching sessions by Wigan Athletic Football Club, this summer.
Anti-Social Diversion Project Praised
A project tackling antisocial behaviour in a popular Wigan park - which saw a 75% drop in calls to police - has been lauded by the Government. Operation Windburn ran in Mesnes Park last summer and was so successful that local authorities plan to repeat the project, which included coaching sessions by Wigan Athletic Football Club, this summer.
13 February 2004
Sheffield to test run new anti-yob measures
Sheffield has been chosen as a 'trailblazer' area to show how new anti-social behaviour powers can be used, the government has announced today. The Yorkshire city will be an area of "sustained action" in dealing with nuisance neighbours, abandoned cars, graffiti and litter. The campaign is backed by £500,000 of government funding.
Sheffield to test run new anti-yob measures
Sheffield has been chosen as a 'trailblazer' area to show how new anti-social behaviour powers can be used, the government has announced today. The Yorkshire city will be an area of "sustained action" in dealing with nuisance neighbours, abandoned cars, graffiti and litter. The campaign is backed by £500,000 of government funding.
20 January 2004
Measures to tackle anti-social behaviour come into force
The "single biggest package" of measures to tackle anti-social behaviour comes into force today, the Home Office has confirmed. Home Secretary David Blunkett said that it would give people "new tools in their fight against neighbours from hell", intimidating groups on their streets and potentially lethal firearms.
Measures to tackle anti-social behaviour come into force
The "single biggest package" of measures to tackle anti-social behaviour comes into force today, the Home Office has confirmed. Home Secretary David Blunkett said that it would give people "new tools in their fight against neighbours from hell", intimidating groups on their streets and potentially lethal firearms.
02 June 2010
Minimum Alcohol Prices 'Inevitable'
The charity, Alcohol Concern has welcomed guidance released today by The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) on preventing alcohol harms, in particular recommendations in support of minimum pricing and availability.
Minimum Alcohol Prices 'Inevitable'
The charity, Alcohol Concern has welcomed guidance released today by The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) on preventing alcohol harms, in particular recommendations in support of minimum pricing and availability.
22 January 2007
Government announces 40 'respect' areas
One year on from the launch of the Respect Action Plan, the government has announced that 40 areas will share £6 million in parenting class provision. The government has hailed the plan as "major progress" in the drive to tackle anti-social behaviour and create a modern culture of respect, but opponents dismiss it as a gimmick.
Government announces 40 'respect' areas
One year on from the launch of the Respect Action Plan, the government has announced that 40 areas will share £6 million in parenting class provision. The government has hailed the plan as "major progress" in the drive to tackle anti-social behaviour and create a modern culture of respect, but opponents dismiss it as a gimmick.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
