Terrorism laws used for petty offences

[28th April 2008]

People suspected of petty offences such as dropping litter and letting pets foul in parks, have been spied on by councils under anti-terrorism laws.

Councils have also used the laws to catch homeowners who have broken planning rules and drivers who have misused disabled badges, under the new Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act.

A survey revealed that 46 councils admitted they had used the law 1,343 times.

However, all 468 local authorities in Britain have the power to track someone they think intends to commit a crime, or who has already done so.

Some local authorities also admitted to using the law to check families live in the right school catchment areas and to try to catch children buying alcohol.

To read the full story, visit the Metro's website.

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