Tackling Antisocial Behaviour

Frank has taken a number of steps to combat anti-social behaviour and its causes both in Birkenhead and nationally.  

Anti-social Behaviour Bill

In 2005 Frank tabled a Private Member's Bill proposing new powers be given to police to combat ASB.A Bill designed to make provision in connection with anti-social behaviour.  Details of the Bill can be found below.  

The Government scores full marks in the emphasis it puts in trying to counter anti-social behaviour. There is however a big question mark over its strategy and the assumptions which underpin its strategy to counter anti-social behaviour. This Bill sees a growing failure of families to teach their offspring the basis of civilised behaviour. A successful anti-social behaviour strategy must therefore hold the line as effectively as possible while also looking at the root cause of the rise and rise of today's yobbish behaviour.

It is not only a matter of holding the line but of effectively enforcing sanctions quickly. The Bill assumes that if anti-social behaviour is not countered immediately the chances are that those indulging in such activities will not only actively recruit accomplices but that the longer such actions are left unchecked the greater the likelihood is of them being escalated - speed is the essence.

Where parents fail or are unable to control the behaviour of their offspring, or worst still, participate themselves in anti-social behaviour, Police need the power to act as surrogate parents. The Bill gives the Home Secretary powers to pilot proposals to give Police the power to be surrogate parents. Modelled on the powers of a football referee, the Police would be given powers to caution, warn and then impose anti-social behaviour orders. It would then be up to those on whom the orders have been placed to go into court to appeal the decision if they through it was unfair.

Wirral Borough Council's Antisocial Behaviour Group

Frank works closely with Wirral Borough Council on tacking ASB in Birkenhead and Wirral, advising the Council's committee on ASB.  

Power to the community in the face of antisocial behaviour

In 2009 Frank suggested that Communities should be supported in tackling ASB.

A 1361 statute allows aggrieved parties to ask for warrants to be issued and for offenders to be brought before the court that day. Even if a whole road turns up to complain, the magistrate has to rule that it is a private action and the bench cannot instruct the police to enforce the warrant.

Frank suggested, Alan Johnson could make a fundamental change in the way we tackle antisocial behaviour, at no additional cost to taxpayers, that also increases the power of local mothers and grandmothers. It is these people who fight on the front line against yobbishness.

He could allow magistrates to use their judgment as to whether a local complaint by local people constitutes a public rather than a private action.