Robert Largan MP has welcomed the news that Derbyshire will be one of the hotspot trailblazer police force areas in the Government’s new Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan, published today (27 March 2023). This plan has been backed up by £160 million of new funding to crack down on anti-social behaviour in our parks, high streets and communities.
Under the plan, 16 areas in England and Wales will be funded to support either new ‘hotspot’ police and enforcement patrols in areas with the highest rates of anti-social behaviour, or trial a new ‘Immediate Justice’ scheme to deliver swift and visible punishments. A select few areas will trial both interventions, and following these initial trailblazers, both schemes will be rolled out across England and Wales from 2024.
Hotspot trailblazer areas will see an increase in police presence alongside other uniformed authority figures, such as wardens, in problem areas for anti-social behaviour, including public transport, high streets or parks. The increased presence will help deter anti-social behaviour, step up enforcement action against offenders, make sure crimes are punished more quickly and drive deterrence efforts, helping to stop anti-social behaviour spiralling into more serious criminality.
Under the new Immediate Justice scheme, those found 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 so victims know anti-social behaviour is treated seriously and with urgency.
Police will also be given new powers to crack down on illegal drug use, often a catalyst for other crimes, including expanding powers for drug testing on arrest so more suspected criminals can be tested, and more drugs tested for, including ecstasy and methamphetamine. Currently, only suspected criminals who have committed certain offences can be tested in police detention without additional requirements, but we will expand the range of trigger offences to include crimes linked to violence against women and girls, serious violence and anti-social behaviour.
Robert Largan, MP for High Peak, commented:
“Anti-social behaviour undermines the basic right of people to feel safe in the place they call home. The public have rightly had enough – which is why I welcome the Government’s new Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan backed up by £160 million of new funding.
“I am particularly pleased that Derbyshire will be one of the hotspot trailblazer areas. This will mean an increase in visible policing. Crucially offenders will be made to repair the damage they cause or visibly support the local community in other ways.
“The Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan will also give police and local authorities more tools to tackle Anti-Social Behaviour - expanding drug testing on arrest, banning nitrous oxide and increasing on the spot fines for offences such as graffiti or fly-tipping.
“This news comes on top of the 346 extra police officers recruited locally, a clear sign that the Government are focused on tackling crime in High Peak!
“Tackling crime and anti-social behaviour remains a key priority for me and I will continue to fight for more resources for our area.”
