Yobs fail to pay fines
More on-the-spot fines for drunkenness, criminal damage and anti-social behaviour have been slapped on yobs in Lancashire than anywhere else outside London – but only half have been paid.
New Government statistics reveal that in 2006, 12,401 fines were handed out to yobs – even eclipsing large conurbations like Merseyside.
But figures also show that in 2005/6, more than half of the fines given out were not paid.
Data released under the Freedom of Information Act shows just 49% of fines were paid within the 21-day deadline during 2005/6. In 2004/5 48% were paid in time.
On-the-spot fines are used to punish people for nuisance offences like shoplifting, vandalism and drunk and disorderly behaviour.
Police said only seven forces – Lancashire, Merseyside, Nottinghamshire, Essex, West Midlands, British Transport Police and part of the Metropolitan Police – can issue the fines to 10-15-year-olds.
Lancashire's figures are higher than all but one of those forces, and community leaders claim they paint a worrying picture of worsening behaviour in the county.
Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans said: "The fact they have gone up so dramatically can only lead to one conclusion – doling out on-the-spot fines like confetti is clearly not having the desired effect."
Lancaster and Wyre MP Ben Wallace branded the fines a "short cut to dealing with yob behaviour" and added: "There needs to be proper enforcement to deal with the problem of yobs."
But Insp John Clucas, of Lancashire Police, said: "One of the reasons the figures have increased is because there has been an increase in the offences you can issue them for."
But figures also show that in 2005/6, more than half of the fines given out were not paid.
Data released under the Freedom of Information Act shows just 49% of fines were paid within the 21-day deadline during 2005/6. In 2004/5 48% were paid in time.
On-the-spot fines are used to punish people for nuisance offences like shoplifting, vandalism and drunk and disorderly behaviour.
Police said only seven forces – Lancashire, Merseyside, Nottinghamshire, Essex, West Midlands, British Transport Police and part of the Metropolitan Police – can issue the fines to 10-15-year-olds.
Lancashire's figures are higher than all but one of those forces, and community leaders claim they paint a worrying picture of worsening behaviour in the county.
Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans said: "The fact they have gone up so dramatically can only lead to one conclusion – doling out on-the-spot fines like confetti is clearly not having the desired effect."
Lancaster and Wyre MP Ben Wallace branded the fines a "short cut to dealing with yob behaviour" and added: "There needs to be proper enforcement to deal with the problem of yobs."
But Insp John Clucas, of Lancashire Police, said: "One of the reasons the figures have increased is because there has been an increase in the offences you can issue them for."
Last Updated: 02 August 2007 10:09 AM
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