This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Record number of ASBOs granted
02/12/2005
All but four of Scotland's local authority areas used Antisocial Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) last year to help communities stand up to antisocial behaviour.
Research published today confirms that a record number of 210 ASBOs were granted across Scotland in 2004/05 - the highest figure since their introduction in 1999 and a 42 per cent increase in the number granted in 2003/04.
Over the course of 2004/05, a total of 547 ASBOs were in operation. ASBO applications were made in 28 of Scotland's 32 local authority areas.
The research reveals that ASBO applications are being prepared quicker by local authorities and Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) than in previous years, and that when breaches of ASBOs occur, further action is being taken in the majority of cases.
Deputy Justice Minister Hugh Henry said:
"Through the Antisocial Behaviour Act we provided local authorities and the police with extra powers to deal with the blight of antisocial behaviour in communities across Scotland.
"Last month we published our first year report card showing how the Act has positively changed lives across the country - and reminding people that they have someone to turn to when standing up to antisocial behaviour.
"These new measures in the Act were added to the powers local bodies already had to grant ASBOs against individuals who had persistently been causing nuisance and distress. I am pleased that ASBOS are increasingly being seen as an appropriate and effective way of bringing respite to beleaguered communities.
"If someone is causing a nuisance, they must be dealt with by using the appropriate intervention at the appropriate time. An ASBO can provide respite for the wider community but it also gives that individual the opportunity to change their behaviour before problems escalate. Before low level disorder becomes full blown offending, before a brush with the law becomes a life of crime.
"The fact that more and more are being granted suggests that ASBOs are increasingly recognised as an important tool. The fact they are being processed more quickly than ever before shows that with increased usage comes increased experience within frontline authorities.
"Yes ASBOs are sometimes breached. But that seldom happens with impunity. As this research shows, 96 per cent of known ASBO breaches result in further action against the individual, with over half of those known breaches being reported to the Procurator Fiscal. Local authorities also report that over one in five proven breaches results in a custodial sentence. So let us move forward from the argument that ASBOs are a soft option.
"We have acted to give police and the legal system the tools they need to deal with the mayhem caused by this small but disruptive group through stronger powers and effective local action. ASBOs have an important role to play - but so does every additional measure we've introduced over the last year to deal with antisocial behaviour.
"Together with the support of hard-working people and the commitment of police and local authorities we can rebuild respect in our communities."
The research was conducted by an independent research team from DTZ Pieda and Heriot Watt University.