An Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) can be used against anyone who is 10 years of age or over and has behaved in a manner that caused or was likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to someone or some people who do not live in their own household.
An ASBO stops the young person from going to particular places or doing particular things. If they do not comply with the order, they can be prosecuted.
Any one of the following agencies can apply for an order, subject to a legal obligation to consult with other agencies.
- Local authorities: district councils, London boroughs, the Corporation of London, the Isle of Wight, Welsh counties or county boroughs and English county councils
- Police Forces
- British Transport Police
- Registered Social Landlords (as defined by Section 1 of the Housing Act 1996)
- Housing Action Trusts (as defined by Section 62 of Housing Act 1988)
For more information on powers relating to anti-social behaviour, see the Respect website [opens in new window].