This has been an exploratory study based on a selective sample of offenders, agencies, victims and residents. It became evident in the course of the research that these different groups tended to employ different criteria of ‘success’ in relation to the use of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs). Assessments of success tended to be made on a number of dimensions:

• • bringing relief to certain neighbourhoods and groups;

• • reducing the level and impact of anti-social behaviour;

• • changing attitudes and motivation of offenders;

• • level of breaches and their enforcement;

• • reduction of different forms of anti-social behaviour in the area.

In relation to these different options, it was the view among various respondents that ASBOs had in some cases been effective in bringing at least temporary relief to certain neighbourhoods and groups. Where ASBOs had been served in series on various ‘ringleaders’, they were seen to be effective in reducing certain forms of anti-social behaviour or group disorder, although it often took a relatively long period of time and considerable resources to achieve this result. It was also felt that in some cases alternative and more appropriate sanctions could have been used to resolve issues in a less punitive way.

The impact on offenders was more positive than may have been expected, with 43% indicating some improvement in their offending behaviour and a similar percentage acknowledging a positive change of attitude after receiving an ASBO – sometimes in quite fundamental ways. However, this does not necessarily indicate a direct causal link between the intervention and the outcomes. In some cases, there were changes in specific forms of behaviour without any change in attitudes towards engaging in crime or anti-social behaviour in general. Some changes appeared to be a function of a normal maturation process, with young people ‘growing out of crime’ at a certain point in their lives. Some offenders improved as a result of other support measures mobilised alongside the ASBO, while for others changing relations with peers and family were a significant factor. It was reported, however, that the mental state and social circumstances of those given ASBOs sometimes worsened, while many experienced difficulties finding employment.

Over half (59%) of those given ASBOs admitted that they had breached the conditions, with one in six saying that they had breached on more than three occasions.