Offenders will soon be made to clean up their mess in hi-vis jackets or jumpsuits, thanks to a bold new crackdown on anti-social behaviour.
New Scheme Sees Vandals Scrub Their Own Graffiti
The scheme, currently being trialled in 10 areas, gives police and crime commissioners fresh funding to make sure perpetrators of crimes like graffiti and vandalism start repair work immediately.
Jumpsuits and Hi-Vis: Punishment on Parade
Those caught must don bright jumpsuits or hi-vis jackets while doing the repairs—making sure they’re visible to the public and properly supervised. The aim? To show off swift and clear punishment, sending a message that anti-social behaviour won’t be tolerated.
Communities will also have a say in how offenders are punished. Those who’ve already scrubbed up damage could be put on litter-picking duty or volunteering in local shops.
The government plans to roll this out across England and Wales in 2024.
Sunak Vows to End Anti-Social Nuisance But Labour Hits Back
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the move will tackle the “scourge of anti-social behaviour” and end the disruption and fear it breeds.
“We want communities to feel safe again,” Sunak said.
But Labour slammed the plan, accusing the government of “slashing” neighbourhood policing and ripping off Labour’s “tough community payback” approach.
“They’ve let anti-social behaviour ruin lives by cutting essential police resources,” a Labour spokesperson said.
