Any form of Anti-social behaviour is beyond acceptable. It disrupts the lives of residents, erodes our sense of community and makes women and girls feel unsafe when in public.
I went on a walkabout with our local police team to discuss recent anti-social behaviour and criminal activity in central Worthing and how we can better support them in their endeavours to keep our streets safe.
We thank the police for protecting us. In addition to detecting serious and violent crime, they work to suppress anti-social behaviours.
We can all cooperate by disapproving of bad behaviour and by walking away from people causing trouble. This includes late-night drinkers and people whose idea of a laugh includes causing distress to others and to animals.
We can welcome the news that Sussex will be one of 16 areas in England and Wales to trial the 'Immediate Justice' programme to tackle anti-social behaviour.
Under the new plans announced by the Government, Offenders committing anti-social behaviour will be made to repair the damage they inflicted on victims and communities, with an ambition for them to start work as soon as 48 hours after their offence.
Under the new Action Plan, offenders will be made to wear high-vis vests or jumpsuits to pick up litter, remove graffiti and wash police cars as punishment. Victims of anti-social behaviour from the local community will be given a say in offenders’ punishments to ensure justice is visible and fits the crime.
Stronger punishments will also be handed out to those who graffiti, litter or fly tip, with increased fines of up to £500 and £1,000.
Nitrous Oxide (the metallic canisters we all see littering our parks and roads) will be banned under the Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan and the Police will be equipped with more powers to test criminal offenders for a range of drugs on arrest.
The Government is giving police and local councils new tools to tackle the problem of anti-social behaviour, levelling up and restoring pride in local communities.
This action plan maps out how we may better tackle this serious issue with the urgency it deserves. Wherever you live, you have the right to feel safe and proud of your community.
Thank you to the Sussex Police team for taking the time to discuss in-depth local anti-social behaviour and the concerns of residents.
