Moorlands MP, Karen Bradley has welcomed the announcement that the Government is launching a Hotspot Policing Programme in Staffordshire, as part of the new Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan to make sure perpetrators face swift and visible justice.
16 areas in England and Wales, including Staffordshire 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 has 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.
Commenting, Karen said:
“Anti-social behaviour is unacceptable. It prevents people from spending time in their local area, makes people feel unsafe, and erodes a sense of community.
“I am therefore pleased to hear that Staffordshire will be one of the Hotspot trailblazer Police force areas in the Government’s Anti-Social Behaviour Plan and I know that the announcement will be welcomed by local residents and businesses right across the Moorlands.”
