2 May 2008
Anti-Social Orders Warrant Consideration
New Zealand First law and order spokesman Ron Mark has welcomed the proposed introduction of British-style behaviour
order legislation, and says that this and other such methods which have proved worthwhile overseas deserve full and
proper consideration, especially those which could have a direct effect on youth crime.
Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) are court orders used in the UK which ban an offender from continuing unwanted
behaviour, associating with certain people or visiting certain areas.
“It is about time we considered these measures, particularly given our youth crime epidemic,” said Mr Mark.
“Early intervention is crucial, particularly with young offenders, and ASBOs have been found to have a positive effect
on reducing anti-social behaviour amongst people who have not been in trouble with the law before.
“Rather than introducing the measure as a local bill, the Government should adopt the bill. One would hope that
legislation aiming to help keep ordinary Kiwis safe such as this would have the support of a large majority of the
parties in Parliament,” said Mr Mark.
ENDS