Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Welcomes New Scheme To Deal With Anti-Social Behaviour

Under new plans announced by the Government, perpetrators of anti-social behaviour will face swift and visible justice through Immediate Justice in Sussex.

Sixteen areas in England and Wales, including Sussex, 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.

Both schemes will be rolled out across England and Wales from 2024.

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.

The Government also announced that Nitrous oxide or ‘laughing gas’ will be banned to send a clear message to gangs that hang around high streets and children’s parks and litter them with empty canisters that they will not get away with this behaviour.

Police will also be given new powers to crack down on illegal drug use with expanded powers for drug testing on arrest, so more suspected criminals can be tested.

The plans were welcomed by MPs and Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne, who said:

“I welcome the Government’s announcement of a comprehensive Action Plan to crack down on anti-social behaviour and am delighted that we have been chosen as a trailblazer for the new ‘Immediate Justice’ pilot. 

“I have been listening to residents’ concerns about increasing levels of anti-social behaviour and my office is already assembling a project team to scope the types of programmes we can deliver in conjunction with Sussex Police, our local authorities and partners.”

Lewes MP, Maria Caulfield said:

“Anti-social behaviour is unacceptable. It prevents people from spending time in their local area, makes women and girls feel unsafe, and erodes a sense of community. Tackling this crime is key to levelling up and restoring pride in local communities."

Bexhill MP, Huw Merriman said:

“People’s lives are too often made a misery due to the blight of anti-social behaviour in their local communities. The powerlessness felt by victims when anti-social behaviour goes unpunished means they are less likely to report anti-social behaviour at all.

“Measures announced in the Government’s Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan will see anti-social behaviour treated with the urgency it deserves. The rolling out of the new Immediate Justice service in Sussex will ensure that offenders face immediate consequences for their actions and local residents have a say in the type of punishment handed out.

“The plan will build upon progress that has already been made and will help to ensure people can both feel safe in, and proud of, where they live.” 

Commenting, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

“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 am determined to restore people’s confidence that those responsible will be quickly and visibly punished.

"This action plan maps out how we will tackle this issue with the urgency it deserves and stamp out these crimes once and for all – so that wherever you live, you can feel safe in, and proud of your community.”

The Anti-social Behaviour Action Plan outlines a new approach that will provide Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs), local authorities, and other agencies, the tools they need to tackle anti-social behaviour faced by local communities.

The plan seeks to address five key areas, including: stronger punishment for perpetrators; making communities safer; enhancing local pride; prevention and intervention; and improving data, reporting and accountability.