Scotland to keep Asbo option to tackle yobs

THE Scottish Government does not plan to follow Home Secretary Theresa May in moving "beyond the Asbo" when it comes to tackling antisocial behaviour.

Both the SNP in Scotland and the coalition UK Government inherited a raft of legislation aimed at preventing frequent but low-level crimes, such as minor assaults, intimidation and vandalism, from previous Labour administrations.

Last year, the Scottish Government sought to take a "more rounded" approach by doing more to solve problems surrounding drink, drugs and poverty, while still using powers, such as antisocial behaviour orders (Asbos), when necessary.

In launching "Promoting Positive Outcomes", the result of a review of antisocial behaviour, Scottish ministers said they would "not seek to repeal the Antisocial Behaviour Act given the useful tools it provides".

But they added enforcement action alone would not solve the deep-seated problems which fuel disorder, and a more balanced approach providing smarter solutions rather than short-term quick-fixes was needed.

Last night, a Scottish Government justice spokesman said: "Our position has not changed following last year's review."

Ms May said: "We must turn the system on its head. There is no magic Whitehall lever we can pull simply to stop antisocial behaviour - no magic button to stop the flow of misery.

"The solution to your community's problems will not come from officials sitting in the Home Office working on the latest national action plan.

"We will put power into the hands of our citizens and we will put our trust into the professionals. We will back those who step in when it is right to do so and we will support people so that they are willing and able to reclaim their communities."

Ms May said that while police were often the first port of call for victims, "they have not always taken antisocial behaviour seriously enough".

"It's time to move beyond the Asbo," she said. "We need a complete change in emphasis, with communities working with the police and other agencies to stop bad behaviour escalating that far."

Earlier this week, the Government outlined plans for locally elected police and crime commissioners to ensure forces meet the demands of communities.

Planned for 2012, the new commissioners would take responsibility for force budgets as well as the hiring and firing of chief constables.

But they have been met with concerns over how chief constables will be able to maintain their operational independence.