Political Editor

MORE than two thirds of the anti social behaviour orders slapped on young yobs in West Yorkshire are breached, new figures have revealed.

A total of 70% of Asbos handed down to 10 to 17-year-olds are broken following continued bad behaviour – compared to the national average of 61%.

There were 2,012 Asbo breaches between 2000 and 2006 – the third highest figure in the country behind Greater Manchester (2,999) and Greater London (2,077).

Breaching an Asbo is a criminal offence, punishable by up to five years in jail.

The breach rate for over 18s in West Yorkshire was 49% – compared to the national average of 43%

A total of 381 offenders breached their Asbos more than once in the region.

The Home Office said: “We do not use the breach rate as our measure of success. What the rate shows is that Asbos have teeth and that if people don’t abide by them there are serious consequences.”