Crime and Policing Bill

The UK government has introduced the Crime and Policing Bill to Parliament. Key provisions include:

• Violence Against Women and Girls: The bill strengthens Stalking Protection Orders, criminalises spiking incidents, and restricts registered sex offenders from changing their names to evade detection.
• Enhanced Powers for Theft Recovery: Police can now enter properties without a warrant to recover stolen items located via electronic tracking, such as “find my phone” apps. This change enables swifter action during critical investigation periods.
• Protection for Retail Workers: The bill introduces a specific offence for assaulting retail workers, ensuring better safeguards for employees in shops and supermarkets. 

• Addressing Antisocial Behaviour: New “Respect Orders” will ban habitual offenders from town centres, and police are empowered to seize vehicles like off-road bikes and e-scooters used irresponsibly in public spaces.

• Combatting Knife Crime: Measures include increased penalties for selling dangerous weapons to minors and the creation of a new offence for possessing a blade with intent to cause harm.

• Child Protection: A new duty mandates adults in specific roles to report instances of child sexual abuse, implementing recommendations from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.

• Public Order Enhancements: The legislation bans face coverings used to conceal identity during protests and criminalises climbing on designated war memorials, promoting respect for public monuments.