New guidance to help communities tackle anti-social behaviour.

(From Government News Network)

Local councils need to work more closely with other agencies to address anti-social behaviour associated with Gypsies and Travellers, Communities Secretary John Denham said today.

As with all communities only a small minority of Gypsies and Travellers behave anti-socially and their mobile lifestyle can exacerbate this -- but perceptions that the community is not dealt with the same as other communities damage public confidence about fair treatment for all.

Mr Denham is urging local councils to make full use of powers available to them when tackling anti-social behaviour in all communities.

The Government today published guidance for local authorities, the police and other agencies, setting out the strong powers that are available to them in dealing with anti-social behaviour associated with Gypsies and Travellers - whether they are the perpetrators or the victims -- and where possible preventing such behaviour before it occurs. Powers include Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs), Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs) and injunctions.

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