Perpetrators of anti-social behaviour in Keighley and Ilkley will face swift and visible justice, increased fines and enhanced drug testing as part of a new crackdown on antisocial behaviour launched by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak today.
Under the governments new ‘Immediate Justice’ scheme, announced today with funding for West Yorkshire, those found committing anti-social behaviour will be made to repair the damage they inflicted on victims and communities, with an view for them to start work as soon as 48 hours after their offence so victims know anti-social behaviour is treated seriously and with urgency.
Offenders will be made to wear high-vis vests or jumpsuits and work under supervision and could be made to pick up litter, remove graffiti and wash police cars as punishment for their actions.
Victims of anti-social behaviour from the local community will be given a say in offenders’ punishments to ensure justice is visible and fits the crime.
The government is also increasing the punishment for those who graffiti, litter or fly tip with fines of up to £500 and £1,000.
Under the zero-tolerance approach, Nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” will also be banned. The drug is now the third most used among 16 to 24-year-olds in England and both the police and public have repeatedly reported links between use of the drug and nuisance or anti-social behaviour.
Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore welcomed the news, stating:
For far too long I have heard heartbreaking stories from my constituents about how antisocial behaviour has damaged our community and as a result put people off from coming into a town.
Following meetings with the Prime Minister and Home Secretary in which I have constantly raised these issues, I am pleased the government has selected West Yorkshire Police which cover Keighley, Ilkley and our wider area as a location for these tough new laws to be introduced which will see perpetrators of antisocial behaviour cleaning up their crimes in jumpsuits and give victims and our community a say in how these individuals are punished.
I have also been campaigning for a ban on Nitrous Oxide canisters, also known as laughing gas or nos, in which is a gas is inhaled, giving the user a short, sharp high. We have seen many of these used small silver canisters littering many places including the Riverside in Ilkley and in various spots in Keighley. Since my election, I have been speaking about the harmful impact of this drug, but also their fuelling of anti-social behaviour. I am therefore pleased this government has listened and is taking action. A ban will send a clear message that the gangs who litter our parks with these illegal drugs will not get away with it any longer.
