Are you aware of the consequences of committing anti-social behaviour?
The police and other organisations have various powers to deal with anti-social behaviour.
Penalty notices
Fixed penalty notices and penalty notices for disorder are both one-off fines issued for anti-social behaviour.
Fixed penalty notices generally deal with environmental offences such as litter, graffiti and dog fouling. These notices can be issued to anyone over 10 years old.
Penalty notices for disorder are issued formore serious offences, such as throwing fireworks or being drunk and disorderly. These notices can be issued to anyone over 16 years old.
Acceptable behaviour contracts (ABCs)
You, together with a parent or guardian,will be asked to attend a meeting to see a police officer or a council officer. Youwill be asked to sign an ABC – a voluntary agreement listing a set of things you agree not to do any more.
ABCs normally last for six months, but they may be extended if necessary. Failure to comply may result in an antisocialbehaviour order (ASBO).
Anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs)
An ASBO is a legal court order that canrestrict where you go, who you hang out with and what activities you are allowed to take part in.
Breaching an ASBO is a criminal offence which can lead to up to five years in prisonor a fine of up to £5,000 for adults and various penalties for young people. This may affect your job opportunities in the future
If you continue to cause anti-social behaviour you may even lose your home. For example, when a parent or guardian first obtains a council property they must sign a tenancy agreement. If you or any member of your family then breach this contract by committing anti-social behaviour, the council may consider repossession of the property.
An ASBO will last for a minimum of two years.
