Persistent anti-social offenders can be banned from town centres as ASBO-style Respect Orders come into force in England and Wales
Shabana Mahmood said authorities had "for too long" lacked powers to tackle serial offenders, as courts gain new tools including compulsory rehab and unlimited fines.
Breaching a Respect Order is now a criminal offence carrying up to two years behind bars. Courts can also impose curfews and unlimited fines, and for the first time can force serial offenders into drug or alcohol rehab or anger management. The orders cover adults only, unlike Labour's original ASBOs, which were scrapped in 2014. Policing minister Sarah Jones said: 'Everyone is fed up of repeat offenders.'
Hertfordshire's crime commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards warned: 'The proof will be in the pudding.'
Newcastle-under-Lyme cafe owner Sharron Foley still keeps her Covid screen up: 'I don't feel the town is safe.'
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood admitted that 'for too long' authorities lacked proper powers.
