THE Government’s proposals to tackle anti-social behaviour are something of a curate’s egg.

The Home Office intends to scrap Asbos and Criminal Asbos and replace them with criminal behaviour orders and crime prevention injunctions.

The orders will ban an individual from certain activities while the injunctions are aimed at nipping bad behaviour in the bud.

But while the Government says the new powers have “important differences” to Asbos – which have become more of a badge of honour than a sanction – most people will see them as little more than a rebranding exercise.

Some of the other measures being proposed, such as confiscating iPods and banning offenders from taking holidays, are insubstantial headline fodder.

But there are some proposals set out in the anti-social behaviour consultation with which we wholeheartedly agree.

So-called community triggers, which would force the authorities to take action if several people in a neighbourhood complain or if one person complains three times, are a good idea.

The triggers will ensure people who often feel ignored have their voices heard.

What is really needed to tackle anti-social behaviour properly is tough enforcement action that makes an impact on the offender and ensures the rights of victims come first.

Young people must not be demonised but the significant minority of them who seem to exist purely to inflict misery on others must be dealt with properly.

We remain to be convinced there is enough in the Government’s proposals to achieve such an aim.