North Wales Police, previously a significant user of the measure, issued just eight
ASBOs last year.
"I know a lot of young people see them as a medal and take pride in their
Asbos, but if they are enforced I think it does help keep the peace."
* GETTING SHIRTY: The
Asbo as a badge of honour - and exploited commercially, too.
A Home Office spokesman said: "These latest figures confirm what we have already said; the current powers for tackling anti-social behaviour, particularly the
Asbo, are too bureaucratic and don't work effectively.
Despite the fact gardai have slapped up to 4,000 warnings on thuggish kids and their parents, a measly six
ASBOs have been enforced through the courts.
views at letters@co.uk, PO Box Street, L69 3EB "Scrapping
Asbos and cutting police budgets would leave communities helpless and vulnerable.
"We are proud and we have praised him for it." Martin says the criminal
ASBO was harshly imposed, but he, too, is pleased with the knock-on effect.
Under the terms of the
ASBO, the teenager was prevented from entering an area bordered by Marner Road, Middlemarch Road, Barton Road and Gilfil Road.
The only exception is Cleveland, where 80
Asbos were handed out in 2006 compared with 60 the previous year.
Teenagers served with
Asbos have even been named in the House of Commons as "asboids".
But Scotland's
ASBO "league table" showed wide variations around the country.
We have got a situation where a third of these youths might not understand the terms and the conditions of the
ASBO. The problem is that by the time they are teenagers it is difficult to get them to change their pattern of behaviour.'