Details of crackdown on anti-social behaviour revealed as PM says people have 'rightly had enough'

NOTE: Embargoed to 10.30pm Sunday night

Details of a new crackdown on anti-social behaviour have been revealed. A trial will take place in 16 areas of England and Wales for increased police presence, swift punishments, or both.

Greater Manchester is not involved in the trial, but the Government says its new schemes will be rolled out across England and Wales from 2024. Meanwhile, nitrous oxide will be banned under a 'zero-tolerance approach', the Government says.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: "Anti-social behaviour undermines the basic right of people to feel safe in the place they call home. The public have rightly had enough - which is why I am determined to restore people’s confidence that those responsible will be quickly and visibly punished.

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“This action plan maps out how we will tackle this issue with the urgency it deserves and stamp out these crimes once and for all - so that wherever you live, you can feel safe in, and proud of your community.” The Government says its Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan will 'give the police and local authorities the tools they need to tackle the problem'.

Six areas, including Lancashire, will take part in a trial for 'hotspot policing'. These areas will see an increase in police presence alongside other uniformed authority figures, such as wardens, in problem areas for anti-social behaviour - such as public transport, high streets or parks.

The Government hopes this increased presence will help deter anti-social behaviour, step up enforcement action against offenders, and make sure crimes are punished more quickly. A further six areas, including Merseyside, will take part in a