THE number of anti-social behaviour orders being handed out to yobs in West Mercia continued to rise in the last year, the Home Office has revealed.

Courts issued 32 ASBOs to rein in nuisance neighbours, problem youths and hooligans in 2004 - compared to 25 in 2003.

The rise coincides with Government efforts to step up its war on anti-social behaviour over the last year, while Home Secretary Charles Clarke yesterday warned that breaches of ASBOs could result in jail.

The Home Office said that 28 ASBOs had been issued in Worcester to date.

ASBOs were introduced by the Government in 1998, as a way of stopping offenders in their tracks through orders such as curfews and restrictions on movements.

Mr Clarke published guidance yesterday to help enforce ASBOs, stressing that offenders can expect to have their personal details publicised to protect the community.

Mr Clarke said: "Tackling anti-social behaviour is a major priority for the Government.

"We know that too many communities are still blighted by the mindless behaviour of a few yobs, who can ruin the quality of life for everyone.

"Many offenders think that they are untouchable and above the law. If they thought that there would be a news blackout on their actions, they must now think again.

"Publicising ASBOs has been tested in the courts and today we are making the position crystal clear - your photo could be all over the local media, your local community will know who you are, and breaching an ASBO could land you in prison.

"Publicity is part of proper enforcement, which is essential if we are to tackle anti-social behaviour and reassure communities that something is being done."