Banbury’s MP welcomes Crime and Policing Bill
26/02/2025
Sean Woodcock says his constituents will welcome tough new Respect Orders
Tough new action on antisocial behaviour and town centre crime has been welcomed by Banbury’s MP. Sean Woodcock said his constituents were fed up with issues such as street drinking, harassment, and vandalism on the high street, along with noisy and intimidating off-road bikes on local estates.
The government has introduced a raft of new measures in legislation being laid before parliament.
These include Respect Orders to enable swift enforcement against persistent antisocial behaviour offenders.
The Bill also includes action on shoplifting and includes a new offence of assaulting a retail worker.
At the same time the previous government’s “shoplifter’s charter” will be scrapped – this effectively deprioritised the theft of goods under £200.
Data shows that the Thames Valley Police Force handed down 412 Penalty Notices for antisocial behaviour in 2023 – down from 6,007 issued in 2010.
Sean Woodcock said: “Antisocial behaviour chips away at our communities’ confidence and pride, undermines local businesses and can have a devastating impact on victims. My constituents will welcome the introduction of tough new Respect Orders, and Government action on shoplifting cannot come soon enough.
“The flagship Crime and Policing Bill is a vital step towards the safer streets promised in this Government’s Plan for Change”.
The bill will also give the police new powers to enter premises without a warrant, enabling them to swiftly search and seize stolen property which they believe is at an address. Last year the number of snatch thefts across England and Wales reached 85,000.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
