ASB Powers and Legislation

In St Helens borough we have pledged to tackle all aspects of anti-social behaviour (ASB)

We proactively run a number of seasonal campaigns - stepping up policing patrols and targeting priority locations at times when traditionally ASB increases.

We also offer young vulnerable people, who may otherwise be drawn into anti-social behaviour, the chance to get involved with positive alternatives, offered by our partner agencies.

If we can resolve a situation without legal action we will. However, in some situations legal enforcement may be the only answer and we will not hesitate to take action.

Action we take can include:

• Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs) are non-legally binding written contracts between the Council, Police and a person who has behaved anti-socially. Under the contract, it is agreed that the person should not be involved with certain specified anti-social acts. They are often used with children and young people, but can equally be used for adults when a warning has been unsuccessful in addressing a problem
• Civil Injunction (CI) is a civil order made by the County Court. Injunctions impose positive requirements as well and prohibitions on the person who is committing anti-social behaviour with the aim of putting a stop to the behaviour
• Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) can be issued by a court on a person following a conviction of a criminal offence and where they are known to be engaging in anti-social behaviour.  This order can also impose positive requirements as well as prohibitions. Breaching this order is a criminal offence
• Dispersal Power this power allows the Police to order people to leave a designated area when groups are causing or likely to cause anti-social behaviour  in public places for up to a period of 48 hours.  The Police also have the power under this order to confiscate items from individuals that may be contributing to the reported behaviour
• Closure of premises associated with nuisance or disorder is a fast, flexible power available to the Council or the Police that prevents entry to a building for a minimum period of three months because the use of it has resulted in anti-social behaviour. During the time that the property is closed, it is a criminal offence to remain in or enter the property
• Community Protection Notice (CPN) the purpose of the notice is to stop a business, organisation or person over the age of 16 committing anti-social behaviour which spoils the community's quality of life. It can be used to deal with particular on-going problems or nuisances which negatively impact on or affect the community, by targeting those responsible. It can cover a wide range of anti-social behaviours and can be used against a wide range of perpetrators
• Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is designed to stop individuals or groups from committing anti-social behaviour in a public space, by imposing conditions on the use of a specific area.