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Bad behaviour crackdown promised Smith plan to 'nip crime in bud'
(about 1 hour later)
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has unveiled plans to combat low-level anti-social behaviour before it turns into more serious crime.Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has unveiled plans to combat low-level anti-social behaviour before it turns into more serious crime.
The number of "acceptable behaviour contracts" (ABCs) would be increased to up to four times the 25,000 currently in place, she said.The number of "acceptable behaviour contracts" (ABCs) would be increased to up to four times the 25,000 currently in place, she said.
Ms Smith told BBC News the move would "nip in the bud" the disorder "which blights people's lives in communities".Ms Smith told BBC News the move would "nip in the bud" the disorder "which blights people's lives in communities".
ABCs are pledges made by individuals to the police to stop misbehaving.ABCs are pledges made by individuals to the police to stop misbehaving.
Ms Smith also said the government was investigating the link between cheap alcohol and anti-social behaviour.Ms Smith also said the government was investigating the link between cheap alcohol and anti-social behaviour.
She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "We have already started work with the Department of Health, looking at what the impact is of pricing and the way drink is promoted."She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "We have already started work with the Department of Health, looking at what the impact is of pricing and the way drink is promoted."
I'd like to see judges and magistrates tell a 15-year-old boy convicted of buying alcohol or causing a disturbance, that the next time he appears in court he'll have his driving licence delayed David Cameron Conservative leaderI'd like to see judges and magistrates tell a 15-year-old boy convicted of buying alcohol or causing a disturbance, that the next time he appears in court he'll have his driving licence delayed David Cameron Conservative leader
The home secretary added: "There are two issues here. One: We do need to know whether or not price and promotion is impacting on alcohol misuse.The home secretary added: "There are two issues here. One: We do need to know whether or not price and promotion is impacting on alcohol misuse.
"Two: We need to stop young people from getting hold of drink."Two: We need to stop young people from getting hold of drink.
"We have had some success already in tackling those, frankly dodgy, off-licences selling kids drink.""We have had some success already in tackling those, frankly dodgy, off-licences selling kids drink."
Ms Smith said she would be encouraging local authorities to use more anti-social behaviour contracts. Ms Smith said she would be encouraging local authorities to use more acceptable behaviour contracts.
'Great news''Great news'
ABCs are written, voluntary agreements between a person involved in anti-social behaviour and the police and local services.ABCs are written, voluntary agreements between a person involved in anti-social behaviour and the police and local services.
They involve an acknowledgment from the individual that their behaviour is having a negative impact on a community and an agreement to stop the behaviour.They involve an acknowledgment from the individual that their behaviour is having a negative impact on a community and an agreement to stop the behaviour.
They can also involve pledges to complete positive activities such as attending school or drug misuse support groups.They can also involve pledges to complete positive activities such as attending school or drug misuse support groups.
Chief Constable Mike Goodwin, who is the Association of Chief Police Officers' lead member on anti-social behaviour, said ABCs had proved effective.Chief Constable Mike Goodwin, who is the Association of Chief Police Officers' lead member on anti-social behaviour, said ABCs had proved effective.
He said: "Police, working together with local authority and youth justice partners have found that, in many cases where ABCs have been issued, offending will stop without recourse to legal remedies.He said: "Police, working together with local authority and youth justice partners have found that, in many cases where ABCs have been issued, offending will stop without recourse to legal remedies.
"This is great news for local people whose lives are blighted by anti-social or inconsiderate behaviour.""This is great news for local people whose lives are blighted by anti-social or inconsiderate behaviour."
The government has issued guidance to police and local authorities on how to use ABCs effectively.The government has issued guidance to police and local authorities on how to use ABCs effectively.
Tory plansTory plans
On Wednesday, Conservative leader David Cameron unveiled his strategy for combating anti-social behaviour.On Wednesday, Conservative leader David Cameron unveiled his strategy for combating anti-social behaviour.
Mr Cameron called for a "three-dimensional approach" focusing on strengthening families, freeing police from red tape and giving the courts more powers.Mr Cameron called for a "three-dimensional approach" focusing on strengthening families, freeing police from red tape and giving the courts more powers.
He also suggested young offenders could be barred from obtaining or holding a driving licence.He also suggested young offenders could be barred from obtaining or holding a driving licence.
"I'd like to see judges and magistrates tell a 15-year-old boy convicted of buying alcohol or causing a disturbance, that the next time he appears in court he'll have his driving licence delayed," said the Tory leader."I'd like to see judges and magistrates tell a 15-year-old boy convicted of buying alcohol or causing a disturbance, that the next time he appears in court he'll have his driving licence delayed," said the Tory leader.
"And then I'd like that boy to tell his friends what the judge said.""And then I'd like that boy to tell his friends what the judge said."