WORCESTER police say they are stepping up their bid to tackle disorder in the city by issuing an increase in anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs).

The community-based ASBOs - aimed at people causing harassment, alarm or distress - can be applied for by local authorities as well as the police.

Last month, MP Mike Foster criticised city councillors for not backing the scheme and claimed only one ASBO had been applied in Worcester in the past two years.

But Independent councillor Mike Layland said many of his Ronkswood constituents were too afraid for their safety to make an official complaint.

One of the bobbies backing the increased enforcement is Ronkswood beat manager PC Liz Northcott, who explained the ASBO initiative.

"An ASBO is used to try and target crimes that may otherwise go unpunished or unnoticed. An example could be if youths were hanging around on street corners and targeting residents with verbal abuse," she said.

"If someone can tell us about the problem we get to recognise regular offenders and can begin to take some action."

She said identifying individuals was the key to cracking down on problems like graffiti and stone throwing which, although not classed as major crimes, could cause misery.

The first stage is contacting a parent or guardian.

"Some families welcome the advice and others don't, but at least it highlights the problem," said PC Northcott.

"If a person is then reported for a second incident and is identified, we'll send a second letter and usually back this up with a visit and talk to parents.

"If there's a further problem reported, a court order can just be around the corner and that person could be then subject to curfews and further sentencing."

Although the process is long-winded, PC Northcott confirmed there were several people who had now been issued with orders. She said she hoped this and action in other cases would crack down on future problems.

An ASBO can be made against anyone over 10 years old for a minimum of two years and a breach, without a reasonable excuse, carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

"We need to alter the behaviour of youngsters and let them know what they're doing is wrong - but it isn't only a police matter," added PC Northcott.

"People need to come forward to discuss problems with us."

PC Northcott can be contacted on 01905 723888 or people can contact their community centre.