Senior police officer raises doubts about the use of Asbos

A senior police officer has delivered a damning attack on Asbos. Chief Superintendent Neil Wain is believed to be the most senior serving police officer to break ranks and criticise the Government's flagship crime-fighting policy.

Ch Supt Wain, who serves with Greater Manchester Police, has written a book as part of a master's degree in criminology, which criticises Britain's Asbo culture. He raises questions in it about whether Asbos effectively combat crime, their long-term effects and whether they are criminalising young people.

Critics say Asbos are used often against people who require help rather than punishment, but the Government insists Asbos have made an important contribution to reducing minor crime and vandalism.

Ch Supt Wain, a police officer for 25 years and divisional commander at Stockport, said "on the whole" he remains supportive of Asbos "in specific circumstances" but concludes there are "many improvements" that can be made.

Manchester council has handed out more of the orders than any other local authority. There are 1,259 active Asbos in the GMP area, and 9,853 in England and Wales. Figures show 55 per cent are breached.