Anti-social Behaviour: East of England

Councils have a duty to crack down on low-level antisocial behaviour. Central Bedfordshire Council's decision to remove safer neighbourhood officers will increase risks to the public.

Questions the hon. Member about the status of police numbers when the last Government left office, noting a decrease in June 2024 compared to March 2024, and challenges him to provide solutions for funding extra police officers. Discussed specific local issues of antisocial behaviour and the need for effective measures to address them. Summarised three key messages: prevention, strong community powers, and working with communities to improve them further.

Endorses the measures in the Crime and Policing Bill that would give police powers to seize bikes or vehicles immediately, ban persistent offenders from town centres with criminal penalties for non-compliance, and recruit more neighbourhood police community support officers. Addressed problems faced by older people, pensioners, and young children due to antisocial behaviour from vehicles.

Discussed the £200 million investment for neighbourhood policing and mentioned the need to address antisocial behaviour through the Crime and Policing Bill.

Welcomes the action to be taken on dirt bikes through the Crime and Policing Bill but raises concerns about other types of vehicles with modified exhausts which create noise issues for residents. Taylor highlighted significant antisocial behaviour and crime rates in Hemel Hempstead, attributing them to cuts made by the previous Conservative government. He supported the Crime and Policing Bill's measures. Discussed issues related to county lines and vulnerable children, as well as his police ride-along experience.

Acknowledged the challenge of addressing antisocial behaviour in diverse regions like the east of England, noting lower crime rates but calling for more ambitious action. Emphasised the need to work with police forces and highlighted past government efforts.

Hears concerns from constituents about antisocial behaviour, including dirt bikes causing noise pollution and fear of child safety. Welcomes measures in the Crime and Policing Bill for tackling these issues but calls for prioritising community policing. Asked about the decline in issuance of public notices for low-level offences, noting a drop from consistent levels in 2010 to zero in 2023. Agrees with the hon. Member's point about youth services but raises concerns regarding data on special educational needs and undiagnosed disabilities among prison populations, suggesting tackling root causes of antisocial behaviour. Expressed concerns about dirt bikes causing noise, fear, and no-go zones in her constituency. Asked about areas where police, fire and crime commissioners do not support neighbourhood policing.

The hon. Member for Strangford commended Alice Macdonald on securing the debate, agreeing that there must be a better community police presence to take substantive action against antisocial behaviour in public spaces. Highlighted the role of churches and voluntary groups in providing support to young people and preventing them from engaging in antisocial behaviour or crime.

Talked about the Young Futures programme and the need to engage with young people through initiatives like the Thirst youth café.

Research shows that individuals in housing associations are up to 30% more likely to experience antisocial behaviour compared with those who own their property. Renaming existing civil injunctions as housing injunctions may not help deal with this type of behaviour. Asked whether the Government should explore banning apps that notify people of police patrols, which can help catch those who speed and engage in antisocial driving. Cocking reminded the House that the previous Conservative Government recruited 20,000 police officers across the country. Focused on the role of social landlords in tackling antisocial behaviour and improving community safety. Asked the Minister for assurances that a multi-agency approach would result in action on the ground to address antisocial behaviour.

Mr Charters shared case studies of shoplifting, vandalism, and harassment in his constituency. He emphasized the need to address the root causes of antisocial behaviour by providing opportunities for young people and restoring pride in communities.

Ms Goldman discussed issues such as drug dealing, fly-tipping, and noisy car meets affecting her constituency. She called for better local council efforts to tackle structural issues that contribute to antisocial behaviour. Supported the call for more focus on youth services and the importance of engaging young people to prevent antisocial behaviour. Highlighted the impact of previous government cuts. Asks the hon. Member if he is aware of plans by Essex’s Conservative police commissioner to get rid of all 99 PCSOs, questioning whether that would be the right course of action.

Bayo Alaba thanked Alice Macdonald for allowing him to intervene in the debate on anti-social behaviour.

Asked about respect orders and their applicability only to over-18-year-olds.

Sam Carling reported regular instances of antisocial behaviour in his constituency, such as screeching tyres from motorbikes, loud music until the early hours of the morning, and constant instances of drugs and antisocial drinking.

Noted that youth services have been eroded across the east due to cuts in council funding, often making these services the first to be cut. Noted the lack of PCSOs in Norfolk and highlighted that it was a decision taken by a previous Conservative PCC.