A report presented findings from additional analyses of perceptions of anti-social behaviour, based on the 2007-08 British Crime Survey. The proportion of adults with a high level of 'perceived anti-social behaviour' had fallen from 19 per cent in 2001-02 (the first year in which this measure could be calculated) to 16 per cent in 2007-08.
Source: John Flatley, Sian Moley and Jacqueline Hoare, Perceptions of Anti-social Behaviour: Findings from the 2007/08 British Crime Survey, Statistical Bulletin 15/08, Home Office (020 7273 2084)
Links: Bulletin
Date: 2008-Nov
An inspectorate report in Northern Ireland examined the operation and effectiveness of anti-social behaviour orders. It said that the three agencies authorized to make Asbo applications had learned from the experience of colleagues in England and Wales: they were, in general, using a graduated approach, with alternative methods of dealing with anti-social behaviour also being considered and used where appropriate.
Source: Anti-Social Behaviour Orders: An inspection of the operation and effectiveness of ASBOs, Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (028 9025 8000)
Links: Report | CJINI press release | NICCY press release
Date: 2008-Oct
An article examined the Children's Fund programme in England (aimed at reducing youth crime and anti-social behaviour). It drew attention to uncertainties and tensions in the relationship between risk-based crime prevention interventions and initiatives addressing broader aspects of young people's social exclusion.
Source: Paul Mason and David Prior, 'The Children's Fund and the prevention of crime and anti-social behaviour', Criminology and Criminal Justice, Volume 8 Number 3
Links: Abstract
Date: 2008-Aug
Researchers examined the network of 'family intervention projects' launched in 2006 to reduce anti-social behaviour by the most 'challenging' families, prevent cycles of homelessness, and achieve the five 'Every Child Matters' outcomes for children and young people. The early outcomes displayed considerable improvements in all key areas: anti-social behaviour and criminal activities had declined considerably at the point families exited from a project, as had the risk of families being evicted. The outcomes for children and young people were also reported to have improved.
Source: Clarissa White, Martha Warrener, Alice Reeves and Ivana La Valle, Family Intervention Projects: An evaluation of their design, set-up and early outcomes, Research Report RW047, Department for Children, Schools and Families (0845 602 2260)
Links: Report | Brief | DCSF press release | Oxford University press release
Date: 2008-Jul
A new book examined anti-social behaviour. It evaluated the government's strategy towards anti-social behaviour, contrasting definitions of the phenomenon, and policy and practice issues affected by it.
Source: Peter Squires (ed.), ASBO Nation: The criminalisation of nuisance, Policy Press, available from Marston Book Services (01235 465500)
Links: Summary
Date: 2008-Jun
A government minister said that all parents of children under 16 engaging in consistent anti-social behaviour should be named and identified, and obliged 'at the very least' to attend compulsory parenting classes.
Source: Comments by Ivan Lewis MP (Minister for Care Services), Daily Telegraph, 26 May 2008
Links: Telegraph report
Date: 2008-May
An official advisory body began consultation on sentencing for breaches of anti-social behaviour orders. It said that sentences should first and foremost reflect the level of harassment, alarm, or distress caused by an offender. The most serious cases – in which first-time adult offenders used violence or intimidation, made significant threats, or targeted individual or groups in a way that provoked fear of violence – should attract custodial sentences of up to 2 years.
Source: Breach of an Anti-Social Behaviour Order: Consultation Guideline, Sentencing Guidelines Council (020 7411 5551)
Links: Consultation document | SAP advice | SGC press release
Date: 2008-May
The government announced a series of measures to tackle anti-social behaviour, with an increased emphasis on preventative measures rather than the use of anti-social behaviour orders. Courts would be required to consider making a parenting order when giving an ASBO to children aged 10-17.
Source: Press release 8 May 2008, Home Office (0870 000 1585)
Links: Home Office press release | Speech | ACPO press release | Liberal Democrats press release | BBC report | Guardian report | Community Care report
Date: 2008-May
An article said that understandings of anti-social behaviour were highly dependent on people's behavioural expectations for a particular space and time, and also by social and cultural norms of 'aesthetic acceptability'.
Source: Andrew Millie, 'Anti-social behaviour, behavioural expectations and an urban aesthetic', British Journal of Criminology, Volume 48 Number 3
Links: Abstract
Date: 2008-May
An article examined the implementation of legislation targeted at youth `anti-social behaviour', focusing on an inner-city housing estate in England. The operation of the legislation exacerbated already fragile police-youth relationships, and encouraged feelings of stigmatization and social exclusion among local young people.
Source: Joanna Sadler, 'Implementing the youth "anti-social behaviour" agenda: policing the Ashton Estate', Youth Justice, Volume 8 Number 1
Links: Abstract
Date: 2008-Mar
An article examined the intellectual basis for New Labour's policy of holding parents to account for the misconduct of their children. The government had relied too heavily on an ill-defined conception of responsibility, while failing to address the underlying causes of anti-social behaviour.
Source: Laurence Koffman, 'Holding parents to account: tough on children, tough on the causes of children?', Journal of Law and Society, Volume 35 Number 1
Links: Abstract
Date: 2008-Mar
Researchers examined the sustainability of interventions to help families at risk of losing their homes as a result of anti-social behaviour. For 7 out of 10 of the families monitored, positive changes had been sustained. However, just under one-third of families continued to experience complaints about anti-social behaviour, placing the family home at risk.
Source: Judy Nixon, Sadie Parr, Caroline Hunter, Diana Sanderson and Sue Whittle, The Longer-term Outcomes Associated with Families who Had Worked with Intensive Family Support Projects, Department for Communities and Local Government (web publication only)
Links: Report
Date: 2008-Jan