Cooper said the orders would ensure the "most serious offenders are dealt with before their behaviour can escalate and cause further harm."

"Too many town centres and neighbourhoods across our country are being plagued by antisocial ­behaviour, be it street drinking, harassment or vandalism on the high street or noisy and intimidating off-road bikes terrorising our estates," she said. "Antisocial behaviour chips away at communities’ sense of confidence and pride, undermines local businesses and can have a devastating impact on victims … Respect orders will give police and councils the powers they need to crack down on repeated antisocial ­behaviour."