How we tackle anti-social behaviour
As part of the Safer Lambeth Partnership we work with the police and other agencies to make Lambeth a safer place to live, work and visit. We use the tools below to tackle anti-social behaviour.
Acceptable behaviour contracts (ABCs)
These 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.
Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs)
ASBOs are civil orders that protect the public from behaviour that causes, or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. ASBOs are not criminal penalties, but a breach of an ASBO is a criminal offence which is punishable by a maximum fine of £5,000 or up to five years in prison or both.
Post-conviction anti-social behaviour order on conviction (also known as CRASBOs)
This is a civil order given in addition to the criminal sentence and is considered separately from the criminal part of the proceedings. A post-conviction ASBO lasts for a minimum of two years and a breach of terms is a criminal offence which is punishable by a maximum fine of £5,000 or up to five years in prison or both.
Individual support orders (ISOs)
These can be attached to an ASBO against a person aged between 10 and 17-years-old. They contain positive obligations designed to tackle the underlying causes of the person’s anti-social behaviour. Failure to comply is a criminal offence.
'Crack House' closure orders
When a property (residential or commercial) has been taken over by drug users or dealers of Class A drugs, a 'crack house' closure order can be used to close the property down and keep it closed for up to three months and if necessary extended for a further three months.
Anti-social behaviour closure notice and order
Closure notices are designed to prevent persistent ASB of certain groups within communities. The notice alerts those using the property, resident(s), the owner and any others with an interest who can be identified, of the intention to apply to the court to close the property down. This order can last for up to three months, and can be extended for a further three months if necessary. It is an offence to enter the property during this time.
Parenting contracts
These voluntary agreements are made between local agencies and a parent/parents to highlight what parents will do to address the anti-social behaviour of a child/children for whom they have responsibility.
Parenting orders
Parental orders are enforced by the Courts. They are used when there has been a problem with a young person's behaviour. They impose requirements on the parent(s)/or guardian, which will usually include their attendance on a guidance or counselling programme.
Vehicle-related anti-social behaviour
If a vehicle is used in a manner where it is causing, has been causing or is likely to cause, alarm distress or annoyance to members of the public, the officer can initially give a written warning (valid for twelve months) and on a subsequent occasion seize the vehicle. Vehicle-related ASB could include for example: curb crawling, dangerous and anti-social driving on or off the road, vehicles being sold or repaired on the street, dangerously parked vehicles or mini-motorbikes ridden by gangs.
Misuse of alcohol and confiscation of alcohol
If the police suspect that a person under the age of 18 has alcohol on them and intends to drink it they can ask the person to give it to them in order that they can dispose of it. If the person refuses such a request, they can be fined up to £500.
Controlled Drinking Zones
Lambeth has been designated a controlled drinking zone. This does not mean that it is illegal to drink in public spaces, but where a police officer considers that disorder, nuisance or annoyance to the public is linked with or likely to arise from people drinking alcohol they can ask a person to stop consuming alcohol. The police can also confiscate the alcohol and dispose of it. It is an arrestable offence not to comply with a police officer's request and there is a maximum fine of £500.