CPWs CPNs and CBOs an explainer how we tackle ASB

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(Community Protection Warning, Community Protection Notice, and Criminal Behaviour Order)

When someone’s behaviour is repeatedly causing problems for neighbours or the local community — things like noise, intimidation, rubbish, nuisance, or persistent disturbances — there are different steps the council or police can take. These steps are designed to stop the behaviour, protect victims, and give the person a fair chance to change.

Here’s how the process usually works, in simple terms.

🟡 1. CPW – Community Protection Warning (the gentle nudge)

A CPW is usually the first step.
It is a formal warning that tells someone their behaviour is causing problems and needs to stop.

What it means in practice:

A CPW is not a legal penalty — it’s more like an official “please stop this, or further action may follow”.

Although CPWs aren’t set out in the Act itself, they are widely used as a fair and proportionate first stage before moving to a legal notice.

🟠 2. CPN – Community Protection Notice (the formal requirement to stop)

If someone ignores the warning (CPW) and the behaviour continues, the next step may be a Community Protection Notice (CPN).

A CPN is a legal notice used to stop ongoing behaviour that is:

What a CPN can do:

A CPN can require the person to:

What happens if they ignore a CPN?

Failing to follow a CPN is a criminal offence.
The council or police may issue a fine or take the person to court.
[researchbr...liament.uk]

🔴 3. CBO – Criminal Behaviour Order (the serious step)

A Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) is the most serious of the three.
It can only be given by a court after someone has been convicted of any criminal offence.
[legalclarity.org]

What a CBO does:

A CBO can:

Why courts use CBOs:

The court must be sure the person has:

What if they break a CBO?

Breaching a CBO is a criminal offence and can lead to up to 5 years in prison for adults.
[legalclarity.org]

🧭 How all three fit together

Think of the process like a set of steps:

1️⃣ CPW – “This behaviour is causing problems. Please stop.”
2️⃣ CPN – “This behaviour must stop. It is now a legal requirement.”
3️⃣ CBO – “Your behaviour has escalated into criminality. A court order is needed.”

Each stage is about protecting people, preventing harm, and giving the individual fair opportunities to change before stronger enforcement is used.