DCC Edens said:

"ASBOs are just one measure the police service and our partners use to deal with anti-social behaviour. Many incidents can be successfully dealt with using informal methods, like voluntary agreements, but sometimes cases must be taken before a court which can issue an order to prevent further harm.

"ACPO has been engaged with a cross-government steering group, and has given its professional view of the anti-social behaviour landscape as a whole. As part of this, we have been clear that we support a simplification of the tools and powers available to frontline practitioners.

"Any proposals that enable agencies, including the police, to better deal with anti-social behaviour are to be welcomed. We look forward to more details, and the opportunity to engage in a wider debate on the tools and powers available."

ENDS