Thugs who wreak havoc on communities face jail for breaching new 'respect orders'

Hooligans who wreak havoc on communities could face up to two years in jail for breaching new so-called respect orders.

Keir Starmer said too often people think of anti-social behaviour as “low-level crime”. He told the Mirror: “Anyone who thinks that simply doesn’t get it.

“Try telling that to someone scared to walk down their street in the evening, the person trying to get to work who has to put up with a vandalised bus shelter, or a young family who can’t enjoy their local park because of intimidating, drunken or loutish behaviour.”

He said the new orders are “about restoring respect - for each other and for our society”, adding: “It’s time to take back our streets.”

Criminals will face bans from town centres or from drinking in public spots such as high streets and local parks. Under respect orders, offenders can also be required to undertake positive rehabilitation, such as attending drug or alcohol treatment services, or an anger management course to address the underlying causes of their behaviour.

Failing to comply with the orders - set out in Labour's election manifesto as part of the party's promise to "return law and order to our streets" - will be a criminal offence. Police will have the ability to immediately arrest anybody who is breaching their respect order. Officers will also be able to seize vehicles, bikes and e-scooters that are dangerous and a public nuisance without issuing a warning.

As well as a prison sentence, courts could hand out unlimited fines and order those who flout the rules to carry out unpaid work or abide by a curfew, the Home Office said. The measures are set to be introduced to Parliament as part of a Crime and Policing Bill.

If the legislation passes and becomes law, a pilot would then follow to make sure the orders are "as effective as possible" before being rolled out across England and Wales.

Public bodies, such as Transport for London, social landlords and the NHS Counter Fraud Authority, will also be able to apply for respect orders.

Harvinder Saimbhi, chief executive of victim support charity ASB Help, said: "We welcome the approach of addressing the root causes of the anti-social behaviour which will in turn work towards reducing reoffending rates, therefore bringing respite to victims and communities."

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said anti-social behaviour “cannot be allowed to continue”. She said: “Too many town centres and neighbourhoods across our country are being plagued by anti-social behaviour, be it street drinking, harassment or vandalism on the high street or noisy and intimidating off-road bikes terrorising our estates. Antisocial behaviour chips away at communities' sense of confidence and pride, undermines local businesses and can have a devastating impact on victims.”