Anti Social Behaviour Order
An Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) is a civil order made against a person, as a result of persistent anti-social behaviour. The order bans a person from engaging in a specified form of anti-social behaviour, and/or bans them from entering a specified area. Breach of an ASBO can result in criminal penalties.
The definition of anti-social behaviour under the Act is wide-ranging. Cases of orders have included:
ASBOs, at present, only exist in England and Wales (Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003) and Northern Ireland (made under separate legislation).
As of 31 March 2004, 2455 ASBOs have been issued in England and Wales.
