ASBOs and aggro

Greater Manchester is named 5th-worst for yobbish behaviour

Greater Manchester has been named the fifth-worst in the country for anti-social behaviour, according to the Tories.

Information released by the Conservatives say more ASBOs have been issued per head in Greater Manchester than any other area.

The party research ranks all 42 police forces across England and Wales based on anti-social behaviour. South Yorkshire ranked as the worst and Lincolnshire the best.

Greater Manchester Police Chief Inspector Rob Tinsley said: “While ASBOs are an effective tool, which the Oldham division does encourage, this is not the only tactic we use to tackle anti-social behaviour and encourage reasonable behaviour.

“We aim to encourage more responsible use of our parks and public spaces, reduce crime and the fear of crime and ensure these areas can be enjoyed by all sections of the community.”

Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Grayling, said more police needed to get back on to the streets.

“Anti-social behaviour makes life a misery,” he added.

“It's just not right that people should have their lives wrecked by gangs — often drinking large amounts underage — and causing real trouble in their neighbourhoods.”

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: “We are giving police and communities new powers to tackle anti-social behaviour and make our streets safer.”