Respect Orders give police new power to penalise antisocial behaviour

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 06:00 · Archive

Respect Orders, which came into force on 26 October under the Crime and Policing Act 2026, allow courts to impose criminal penalties on repeat offenders for persistent antisocial behaviour. The orders enable courts to restrict adults by banning them from certain areas such as town centres and shopping districts. Breaching a Respect Order is a criminal offence punishable by fines, community sentences, or imprisonment.

Chief Inspector Steve Jolly, head of the Wiltshire Police Prevention Hub, said persistent antisocial behaviour can have a significant impact on people's quality of life, leaving residents, businesses and visitors feeling intimidated or unsafe in their communities.

Jolly said the orders provide an important tool for policing and partner agencies to take stronger action against those who repeatedly cause harm while creating opportunities to address underlying issues. He emphasised the powers are not about criminalising people unnecessarily but about protecting communities and supporting victims.

Jolly stated that meaningful consequences for those who refuse to change their behaviour despite repeated intervention are essential. He said Respect Orders will strengthen police work and help deliver safer town centres and public spaces across Wiltshire and Swindon.

Courts may also impose requirements on offenders to address underlying issues such as substance misuse. The orders are intended to improve responses to persistent antisocial behaviour, which can erode public confidence and disrupt communities and businesses.

How it is being reported

• New penalties will help police stop antisocial behaviour in WiltshireRepeat offenders could face criminal penalties under new Respect Orders designed to curb persistent anti-social behaviour.Gazette & Herald · 27 Oct, 05:00
• New penalties will help police stop antisocial behaviour in WiltshireRepeat offenders could face criminal penalties under new Respect Orders designed to curb persistent anti-social behaviour.Swindon Advertiser · 27 Oct, 05:00
• New penalties will help police stop antisocial behaviour in WiltshireRepeat offenders could face criminal penalties under new Respect Orders designed to curb persistent anti-social behaviour.Wiltshire Times · 27 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Wiltshire Police · Steve Jolly · Wiltshire · Swindon

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