New Civil Powers Introduced to Tackle Persistent Antisocial Behaviour Across Leicestershire and Rutland
Authorities across Leicestershire and Rutland have gained powerful new legal tools to crack down on repeat perpetrators of antisocial behaviour (ASB).
Starting 26 October 2026, Leicestershire Police, Rutland County Council, Leicester City Council, and the seven district and borough councils across the region will officially begin utilising Respect Orders.
These civil powers are designed to target persistent offenders who cause ongoing distress in local communities.
Introduced nationwide as part of the landmark Crime and Policing Act 2026, Respect Orders provide police, local authorities, and housing providers with a combined enforcement and rehabilitative framework
Courts can place legal restrictions on an adult perpetrator's behaviour to halt disruptive conduct.
Orders can mandate mandatory participation in targeted support services such as drug or alcohol rehabilitation, anger-management courses, or other rehabilitation programmes.
Crucially, violating a Respect Order is a criminal offence. Suspected breaches allow for immediate arrest, holding perpetrators accountable under criminal law.
Each case will be assessed individually based on risk evaluations, gathering of evidence, and community context before an order is requested.
Superintendent Stephen Bunn (ASB Lead, Leicestershire Police) “We know that antisocial behaviour can have a serious and lasting impact on victims, families and the community. Respect Orders give us and our partners another important tool to tackle those who repeatedly cause harm. By working together, we can take robust action while addressing the causes of offending and helping make our neighbourhoods safer.”
Rupert Matthews (Police and Crime Commissioner)“ASB is a top priority for the public and I back our officers and our partners to utilise the full arm of the law when dealing with the perpetrators of this distressing behaviour. Respect Orders will add to the suite of tools already in place to protect communities and hold offenders accountable.”
Nicola Odom (Head of Safer Communities, Leicester City Council)“We welcome these new powers and have been working with Leicestershire Police to ensure we can take full advantage of them when they are launched. The Respect Orders will enable us to deal with persistent offenders and to ensure they get the support they need to change their behaviour, which is available but often refused.”
Protecting Communities in Rutland and Beyond For local residents in Rutland and surrounding areas, these measures build directly upon ongoing initiatives under the force’s broader ASB Action Plan. This includes increased high-visibility patrols in identified hotspot zones, early intervention strategies, and boosted assistance for repeat or vulnerable victims.
Further Reading & Official Information
For additional details on how the new legislation operates, read the official government overview:
Crime and Policing Act 2026:
Anti-Social Behaviour Factsheet: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/crime-and-policing-act-2026-factsheets/crime-and-policing-act-2026-anti-social-behaviour-asb-factsheet
