NI: Just two ASBOs issued in year where anti-social behaviour incidents hit 60,000
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A charity supporting offenders in Northern Ireland has said figures showing only two anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) were handed out in a year with nearly 60,000 anti-social behaviour incidents highlight their ineffectiveness.
The Northern Ireland Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders (Niacro) pointed out that only two ASBOs were handed out in 2015/16, where 59,902 anti-social behaviour incidents were recorded by the PSNI.
The Department of Justice launched a public consultation in April, which is now closed, on proposals to address anti-social behaviour.
A spokesperson for Niacro told the Belfast Telegraph: “We know that in 2015/16 there were 59,502 anti-social behaviour incidents recorded by the PSNI.
“In the same year, only two ASBOs were handed out, which would support the view that ASBOs are ineffective in tackling anti-social behaviour.
“Support and reinforcement of positive behaviour including mentoring, diversionary projects, restorative justice approaches, and working with families have a track record of success, ASBOs do not.”
Commenting on the consultation, a spokesperson for the Department of Justice said: “A number of views were received and these will help inform how legislation linked to anti-social behaviour is developed in the future.”
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