Rethink on Asbos urged
A leading thinktank has urged the Government to reconsider its tough approach towards anti-social behaviour.
The Institute for Criminal Policy Research (ICPR) said that the Government should look more closely at the circumstances that produce antisocial behaviour.
Too much of the policy focus has been on anti-social behaviour orders (Asbos) and punishment they concluded.
The ICPR research suggested that anti-social behaviour was only actually a major problem for one in five people, mainly from deprived areas.
Co-author professor Mike Hough, said: “The Government’s TOGETHER campaign against anti-social behaviour appeals to the ‘law-abiding majority’ to take a stand, portraying a struggle between ordinary, decent people and a tide of loutishness.
“The reality, suggested by our research, is more complicated. It suggests that the public want policy makers to balance tough enforcement through ASBOs (Anti-Social Behaviour Orders) with strong, high-profile action to prevent problems and offer young people constructive alternatives to hanging around on the streets.”
He added: “We not only need to be tough on anti-social behaviour, but also tough on the causes of anti-social behaviour.
His survey also suggested that even in areas most confronted with anti-social behaviour, residents offered conflicting explanations. Whilst older residents suggested it was symptomatic of declining moral standards, others blamed it on social depravation and disengagement, whilst a third group took a “kids will be kids” view.
Professor Hough added: “In areas most beset by anti-social behaviour, ways must be found of countering the sense of powerlessness and entrenched pessimism among residents. Visible enforcement action may provide leverage to break the vicious cycle, but measures to re-build the community’s own capacity to respond are also crucial.”
