LONDON — Asbos are to be scrapped and replaced with new types of behaviour orders as part of a raft of measures announced by the government on Monday.
The new Criminal Behaviour Order will be issued by the courts after a conviction to prevent further offending, while the Community Protection Order will allow police and local authorities to tackle persistent offenders.
Authorities will also be compelled to take action where incidents are reported by five or more people -- a move which has been termed a "community trigger".
Police will be given "direction" powers to move any individual causing or likely to cause crime or disorder away from a particular place and confiscate their belongings.
And the Home Office says new Crime Prevention Injunctions will target bad behaviour before it escalates, carrying a civil burden of proof to make them quicker and easier to obtain.
Critics say the plans are little more than a "rebranding exercise".
But Crime Prevention Minister James Brokenshire, unveiling the measures, said anti-social behaviour had "wreaked havoc in our communities" for too long.
"It is time for a new approach that better supports victims and makes it easier for the authorities to take fast, effective action," he said.
The proposals follow Labour party claims at the weekend that 10,000 police officers would be lost from the streets as a result of government cuts.
Shadow home office minister Vernon Coaker said the job losses would hit neighbourhood policing teams and their capacity to tackle anti-social behaviour.
"This Tory-led government's savage cuts, putting chief constables in an impossible position and meaning more than 10,000 fewer police officers, will undoubtedly impact the work of these teams," he said.
"No matter what announcements this Tory-led government makes, the truth is they are taking an unacceptable risk with the safety of our streets."
The Labour government introduced anti-social behaviour orders (Asbos) in 1999 but they were criticised by some as unenforceable.
The new orders, which will be subject to public consultation until May 3, will replace 18 of the formal powers currently available.
Bob Reitemeier, chief executive from The Children's Society, said the measures appeared to be "a rebranding exercise" and accused the government of a "missed opportunity".
"There is no doubt that sometimes difficult behaviour, particularly by teenagers, remains an issue of great concern in many neighbourhoods," he said.
"But rather than continue to demonise children and punish them without addressing their behaviour, there is an urgent need to develop real solutions that make a genuine difference to children, families and communities."
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