Stephen Morgan MP has called on the government to step up in the fight against anti-social behaviour (ASB) as new figures show 3000 incidents of ASB take place every day.
In Departmental Questions to the Justice Secretary, Mr Morgan asked why the government was allowing this behaviour to fester and go unpunished in communities such as Portsmouth and across the country.
Mr Morgan also asked when Ministers will finally appoint a Victims’ Commissioner to champion the rights of victims of ASB.
Over 1.1 million incidents of anti-social behaviour were recorded by the police last year, equating to 3,000 incidents a day.
Reoffending figures show adult antisocial behaviour offenders are becoming more prolific and hardened. The latest numbers show nearly a quarter of criminal damage and arson offenders reoffend, as do more than a third of public order offenders.
Last year, more than 20 million people experienced antisocial behaviour, more than a third of the population.
Labour will punish anti-social behaviour offenders with tougher sentences, clean up squads and Community Payback Boards to make sure those sentences are carried out.
Labour will introduce tougher penalties for fly-tippers and establish clean up squads whereby offenders will clear up litter and vandalism they have dumped.
For parents whose children repeatedly engage in anti-social behaviour, Labour will extend the use of Parenting Orders forcing parents to attend parental classes.
Commenting, MP for Portsmouth South Stephen Morgan said:
“After 13 years of neglect, the Conservatives are missing in action in the fight against crime.
“Labour is the party of law and order. We will punish anti-social behaviour offenders with tougher sentences, clean up squads and Community Payback Boards to make sure those sentences are carried out.
“That’s how we will prevent crime, punish criminals and protect communities in Portsmouth and across the country.”
Last month the Portsmouth representative met with the city council’s ASB team to discuss issues and concerns.
Mr Morgan also regularly joins the Police on local patrols and has lobbied Government for fairer police funding for Portsmouth through a range of written parliamentary questions and letters to the Minister, and meets regularly to discuss concerns with the district commander. In May, the Portsmouth MP launched a petition to call on Government to get more bobbies on the beat in the city.
