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Catapults and Antisocial Behaviour
02 December 2025
Lead MP
Lincoln Jopp
Spelthorne
Con
Responding Minister
Sarah Jones
Tags
Policing & ResourcesCrime & Law Enforcement
Word Count: 9180
Other Contributors: 10
At a Glance
Lincoln Jopp raised concerns about catapults and antisocial behaviour in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The MP asks the Government to amend the Crime and Policing Bill to reduce the minimum age at which community protection notices can be issued from 16 years old to 10 years old, in line with the age of criminal responsibility. He also calls for robust enforcement of existing wildlife legislation.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The MP highlighted the serious issue of young kids using catapults in his constituency, resulting in more than one reported crime involving catapults per week over the past year and a half. In 90% of cases, no suspect or person of interest is identified. The local police are reviewing these cases to identify patterns.
Alex Easton
Ind
North Down
The hon. Member asked about the need for robust enforcement of existing wildlife laws in Northern Ireland, specifically under Article 12 of the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order and the Welfare of Animals Act.
Danny Beales
Lab
Uxbridge and South Ruislip
The hon. Member advocated for prevention measures such as public space protection orders to ban the possession of catapults in public spaces, supporting the idea that taking these items off people before crimes occur is vital.
Weald of Kent
The hon. Member for Chichester discussed the increase in antisocial behaviour, especially targeting wildlife with catapults. She highlighted the lack of police response to such incidents and called for more community education on the issue. Asked the Minister about constituent concerns regarding reporting antisocial behaviour anonymously and being identified.
Jim Dickson
Lab
Dartford
Reports of catapult misuse have increased in Dartford with incidents targeting wildlife and property. There is a growing trend of cruelty towards defenceless wildlife, sometimes linked to social media, and serious injuries have been reported.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
The hon. Gentleman echoed the MP's concern about antisocial behaviour going unreported due to fear of intimidation, suggesting more needs to be done to encourage official reporting and improve conditions on streets.
Katie Lam
Con
Weald of Kent
The hon. Member for Weald of Kent discussed the enforcement gap between laws on paper and their practical application, highlighting that many people feel police powers are not being used effectively to stop antisocial behaviour involving catapults. Called for the government to recruit additional police officers, backed by £800 million funding, and triple the use of stop and search.
Kevin McKenna
Lab
Sittingbourne and Sheppey
Clarified that he and Jim Dickson were the MPs who attended the meeting with Baroness Hayman, addressing the Minister's letter. Supports the proposal for regulating catapults, citing similar issues in his constituency with shops selling them irresponsibly. He highlights potential human fatalities from high-velocity projectiles and calls for experts to convene on legislative changes.
Lincoln Jopp
Con
South East Surrey
Inquired about extending the age group eligible for community protection notices and sought a second thought on this issue before the Crime and Policing Bill progresses through the House of Lords.
Acknowledged the importance of data-driven policing, encouraged constituents to report crime, introduced named officers in neighbourhoods, and mentioned respect orders as part of tackling repeat offenders.
North East Fife
The hon. Member shared her experience as a police officer investigating significant damage caused by catapults, emphasizing the need to address how this technology has advanced and its potential for causing serious harm.
Government Response
Sarah Jones
The Minister for Policing and Crime
Government Response
Acknowledged the problem and outlined plans including more funding for neighbourhood policing, reduction of police bureaucracy through AI technology, and a national centre for policing. Emphasised youth engagement activities to reduce crime. Emphasised the importance of data-driven policing, encouraged anonymous reporting via Crimestoppers, introduced respect orders as part of tackling repeat antisocial behaviour offenders, and noted ongoing consideration of listing catapults as banned weapons.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.