Yobs to be 'named and shamed'

Yobs who make people's lives a misery will be "named and shamed" in their local paper and on TV under tough new government powers unveiled today.

Home Secretary Charles Clarke announced new rules to allow the publication of photos and names of thugs served with anti-social behaviour orders (Asbos).

The move came as the Home Office revealed the latest figures for Asbos, which impose restrictions on the movement and behaviour of offenders, showing a huge rise in their issue last year.

The number of orders breached rose to 42 per cent, prompting the Tories to point out that there was no substitute for conventional policing and convictions.

Councils have encountered legal problems trying to print photos of hooligans in their local newspaper, with some claiming human rights were breached. But under the new guidance they will have government and legal backing for doing so.

Mr Clarke emphasised that Asbos do have teeth, with tearaways facinga prison term if they breach the conditions of their order.

"Many offenders think that they are untouchable and above the law. If they thought there would be a news blackout on their actions they must now think again," he said. "Publicity is part of proper enforcement, which is essential if we are to tackle anti-social behaviour."

New Asbo statistics for the period between April 1999 and last September show that 3,826 were issued. But 42 per cent of all orders were breached up to December 2003, compared with 36 per cent up to December 2002.