‘No change’ to use of Asbo system in Scotland

Home Secretary Theresa May unveiled a white paper on plans to tackle low level criminal activity that blights communities in England and Wales.

It includes cutting the number of different orders from 19 to six, and the introduction of a “community trigger” which would force police, councils and agencies to act if five households made a complaint.

However, the Scottish Government said Asbos would continue to be a tool used to tackle antisocial behaviour north of the Border.

A spokesman said: “Everyone has the right to feel safe in Scotland, and promoting community safety, and tackling antisocial behaviour remain top priorities for this government.

“In partnership with [local authority umbrella group] Cosla, we published our framework for tackling antisocial behaviour, Promoting Positive Outcomes, in 2009.

“Use of antisocial behaviour orders – which are only one of the tools in the box – should be considered in the context of wider strategies to prevent antisocial behaviour where it occurs, to deal effectively with the causes of antisocial behaviour and its effects.”

Speaking in Manchester, Ms May said the measures in her white paper “will give people the confidence that when they call the police something will be done”.

“I want to see the police dealing with antisocial behaviour when it happens and when people are reporting it,” she said.

Victims were saying that time and time again nothing was happening, she added. The new powers, which will be tested in three areas, “will enable residents to say that the point has come where the police are required to do something”.