Antisocial Behaviour Statement

27th March 2023

PCC welcomes tougher penalties for antisocial behaviour.

Matthew Scott, Kent Police and Crime Commissioner, has welcomed the new Antisocial Behaviour Action Plan announced by the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, today.

The Action Plan will introduce a number of new measures aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour in local neighbourhoods and will introduce tougher penalties.

These include higher fines for fly-tipping, graffiti and littering, a new scheme to make people clear up the communities they harm quickly, more youth provision, banning laughing gas and breaking up organised begging networks.

Mr. Scott said,  “Antisocial behaviour has always been a priority in my Police and Crime Plan. This new Action Plan is comprehensive and puts local neighbourhoods first and will help us hold perpetrators of antisocial behaviour to account. I am pleased that the Prime Minister has listened to PCCs like me and will increase the penalties for fly-tipping. Offenders must pay for the harm they cause our communities.

“Action against laughing gas canisters will also fix the problem that meant usage couldn’t be effectively challenged, only those caught dealing it could be.”

Funding is available for pilot areas to trial extra patrols and more immediate justice in 16 areas. Whilst Kent wasn’t asked to apply, the intention is to roll out the measures across England and Wales next year.

Matthew Scott added,  “We now have more police in Kent than ever before. We are making it easier to report antisocial behaviour - and thanks to our own hotspot patrolling these incidents are already reducing. I will continue to raise awareness of the Community Trigger for communities blighted by repeat incidents.

“The new measures announced by the Prime Minister are a welcome addition to already existing powers.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)