New police powers in force as anti-social behaviour makes up nearly one fifth of Exeter city centre crime
The new powers, introduced by the Government’s Crime and Policing Act, will allow courts to ban offenders from town centres and impose unlimited fines, as part of efforts to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour in Exeter.
Devon and Cornwall Police has been given new powers to tackle anti-social behaviour, as it’s revealed crimes of this nature make up 20 per cent of all Exeter city centre crime.
New behavioural orders introduced by the Government last week, called respect orders, are designed to help police and local authorities take more “effective” actions against persistent offenders.
47 incidents of anti-social behaviour were recorded by Devon and Cornwall Police Exeter city centre in August this year.
Eight in 10 of these reported incidents are likely to concern “rowdy and inconsiderate behaviour”, according to InExeter.
The Government defines anti-social behaviour as someone “acting in a manner that causes harassment, alarm, or distress, to one or more people”.
Under these new respect orders, which form part of the Government’s new Crime and Policing Act, courts can ban offenders from town centres or stop them drinking in public “hotspots” such as high streets or local parks.
Courts can also hand out “unlimited fines” and “tougher” community punishments such as curfews or volunteering hours.
Offenders may now also be ordered to undertake drug or alcohol treatment as part of an effort to tackle the “root causes” of their behaviour.
Breaching a respect order made by a court will constitute a criminal offence, meaning police will have the authority to arrest anyone who ignores the rules. Offenders could face fines, community sentences, or up to two years’ jail time.
Steve Race, MP for Exeter, has said he “welcomes” these changes.
“Persistent antisocial behaviour can have a real impact on people’s quality of life, and I know Exeter residents are frustrated when they aren’t able to enjoy our high street, and even their local neighbourhood,” he said.
“Respect orders are a welcome step forward from this Labour Government, giving Exeter City Council and our local police more effective ways to intervene when individuals ignore the rules and disrupt life for others.
“It is right that those responsible are held accountable, and that there are opportunities to help people take positive steps to change their behaviour.”
Exeter City Councillor Lucy Findlay, portfolio holder for city centre and community safety, added: “Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community, and we welcome these additional powers to help make that a reality across Exeter.
“Respect orders will provide an important tool for tackling persistent anti-social behaviour, both in our city centre and in residential areas.
"Working through our Community Safety Partnership, Safer Exeter, we will collaborate closely with the police, our Community Safety Team and others to ensure these powers are used to their fullest extent, alongside a range of preventative measures, support services and targeted interventions.”