Sunak Launches Crackdown on Anti-Social Behaviour
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak today unveiled a tough new crackdown on anti-social behaviour. Offenders will face swift, visible justice, heftier fines, and ramped-up drug testing under the new Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan.
The plan targets the surge in nuisance crimes with a zero-tolerance stance, arming police and councils with the powers they need to tackle troublemakers head-on.
Hotspot Policing and Immediate Justice
Sixteen areas across England and Wales will kick off the crackdown by trialling new hotspot patrols or an “Immediate Justice” scheme. In hotspot zones, expect beefed-up police and warden presence at trouble hotspots like high streets, parks, and public transport to stamp out chaos quickly.
Meanwhile, under Immediate Justice, offenders could be forced to start community repair work within 48 hours—cleaning graffiti, picking up litter, or even washing police cars—while wearing high-vis vests for all to see. Local residents will be involved in deciding suitable punishments, ensuring justice is not only swift but visible.
Nitrous Oxide Ban and Tougher Drug Testing
The plan also tackles “laughing gas” abuse, banning nitrous oxide due to its links to youth nuisance and gang trouble. The drug is now the third most popular among 16-24 year olds in England.
On top of that, police will get expanded powers to drug-test suspects, adding ecstasy and methamphetamine to the list. New trigger offences cover serious violence, anti-social acts, and crimes linked to violence against women and girls.
Strong Words from the Top
Rishi Sunak: “Anti-social behaviour undermines the basic right of people to feel safe in the place they call home. The public have rightly had enough – which is why I am determined to restore people’s confidence that those responsible will be quickly and visibly punished.”
Home Secretary Suella Braverman: “There is no such thing as petty crime – anti-social behaviour not only leaves people feeling unsafe, it can also be a gateway into serious criminality.”
Housing Secretary Michael Gove: “Anti-social behaviour blights our high streets and parks. This government is intervening to stop high street dereliction, prevent thuggish town centre behaviour, and support young people.”
Extra Measures to Clean Up Communities
- Fines up to £1,000 for graffiti, littering and fly-tipping, with council league tables published for transparency
- More eviction powers for landlords to remove noisy or disorderly tenants
- New powers for councils to quickly reopen empty shops and revitalise town centres
- Up to £5 million to upgrade parks and green spaces with CCTV and new playground equipment
- One million extra hours of youth services in hotspot areas to steer young people away from crime
- tackling ‘cuckooing’—home invasions linked to drug dealers
- Digital reporting tool launching soon for quick, easy anti-social behaviour reporting
Community and Industry Backing
Michael Kill, CEO of Night Time Industry Association: “We welcome the ban on nitrous oxide. The rise of this drug has caused mayhem in our streets and left businesses powerless. This intervention is badly needed.”
John Hayward-Cripps, CEO Neighbourhood Watch Network: “This plan champions the community spirit needed to beat anti-social behaviour. It supports local volunteers to make their areas safer.”
Ellen Daniels, CEO British Compressed Gases Association: “Nitrous oxide misuse can cause serious, permanent harm. We’ve campaigned for years for this crackdown.”
Pilot Areas for the Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan
- Northumbria (Immediate Justice & Hotspot policing)
- Cleveland (Immediate Justice & Hotspot policing)
- Derbyshire (Immediate Justice & Hotspot policing)
- Durham (Immediate Justice & Hotspot policing)
- Nottinghamshire (Immediate Justice)
- Merseyside (Immediate Justice)
- Sussex (Immediate Justice)
- Dorset (Immediate Justice)
- Northamptonshire (Immediate Justice)
- West Yorkshire (Immediate Justice)
- West Midlands (Hotspot policing)
- South Yorkshire (Hotspot policing)
- Essex (Hotspot policing)
- Lancashire (Hotspot policing)
- South Wales (Hotspot policing)
- Staffordshire (Hotspot policing)
The government promises a nationwide rollout from 2024 following these pilots. The message is clear: nuisance will no longer be tolerated and communities deserve to feel safe again.
