The Government revealed last week almost two thirds of all Anti-Social Behaviour Orders handed out to children aged 10 to 17 in South Yorkshire were breached between 2000 and 2006.

Figures showed 331 ASBOs had been handed out in the county since they were first introduced in 1999, and there had been 490 breaches.

Orders, which last a minimum of two years and are designed to curtail behaviour by banning people from visiting certain areas or associating with specific people, can land offenders in jail for five years if repeatedly breached.

But a total of 119 offenders breached their orders more than once.

In South Yorkshire, and nationally, the number of ASBOs handed out is falling, with the Home Office claiming more "early intervention" procedures are being adopted before issues get out of hand.

But Joanne Roney, Sheffield Council's executive director of neighbourhoods and community care, said: "Sheffield's policy of dealing with anti-social behaviour with a step-by-step approach has been very successful.

"Where possible we try to sort out problems as early as possible without the need for formal or legal action. But where necessary we are not afraid to take strong action.

"In the last year we successfully resolved 98 per cent of anti-social behaviour cases reported to Sheffield Homes without the need for legal action. Sheffield Council also requested three stand-alone ASBOs.

"We are open to using all measures available, from warning letters and mediation to parenting orders and ASBOs.

"The council recently passed a resolution to explore introductory tenancies - this means every new tenant will be told what is expected of them, and if they don't conform they won't be able to remain."

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