A scheme that would see perpetrators of antisocial behaviour be visibly punished is to be rolled out in Nottinghamshire. The county is one of 16 areas across England and Wales that will trial of 'Immediate Justice' in an attempt by the government to tackle the crime.
Under the scheme those found committing antisocial behaviour will be made to repair the damage they caused where possible, such as by picking up litter and removing graffiti. Offenders would be made to wear high-vis vests or jumpsuits, with victims also being given a say in how they are punished. It is expected to be rolled out across all England and Wales from 2024 following the trial.
In Beeston, where there has been a crackdown by Nottinghamshire Police due to the behaviour, reaction was mixed. Maureen Trout, a 76-year-old who lives in the town, said it was a good idea. "They should definitely do it, people should pay for it," she said."
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"There's been things happening here and on the trams, it's wrong. You don't feel like you're safe in your own home. I hope it is enforced, they've got to do something."
Meanwhile, Leah Ridgeway, a university lecturer from Chilwell, said it was a "ridiculous" scheme designed to make headlines. "It would be far better if money was better spent on the roots of anti-social behaviour, like investing in community centres," said the 38-year-old.
"Obviously it's awful for the people on the end of it but don't the police need the time to tackle sexual assault cases that aren't solved? It's about headlines, it's not evidence based. I totally understand why it's being proposed but actually dealing with anti-social behaviour requires more than headline-grabbing.
"The vast number of people are doing their best and that includes teenagers. This highlights only the tiny minority who do cause misery and makes it seem worse than it is."
Darren Henry, Conservative MP for Broxtowe, said he was delighted that Nottinghamshire was included in the scheme. "I have had a number of people contact me about anti-social behaviour in Beeston, mainly caused by youngsters travelling on the tram and congregating in Beeston," he said.
"I will continue to work with local bodies to find solutions to this problem and in particular it is often on the agenda for my regular meetings with the Neighbourhood Police Inspector, Inspector Mike Ebbins."
Immediate Justice is part of wider government plans to clamp down on antisocial behaviour, which also includes banning nitrous oxide. Other areas will also trial 'hotspot police', where there will be an increased presence of police officers and other authority figures.
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry will be given funding to carry out the scheme, something she says has been welcomed. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was "determined to restore people’s confidence that those responsible will be quickly and visibly punished".
He added that the plan "maps out how we will tackle this issue with the urgency it deserves and stamp out these crimes once and for all". Nottingham City Council said was yet to see the detail of the government's plan, but looked forward to working alongside Nottinghamshire Police to "understand how we can help to make the pilot scheme a success".
A spokesperson said: "We welcome any move that strengthens our ability to tackle issues that can impact so negatively on our neighbourhoods."
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