The Government has moved to make ASBOs easier to introduce, following complaints from police and councils.
Magistrates can now impose the orders on top of a criminal conviction, instead of requiring an application from the police or a council. They can also issue temporary orders after one hearing and ASBOs apply nationwide, to avoid yobs escaping the law by moving.
Because transport police can now apply for ASBOs, they can be imposed at bus depots and train stations, as well as on housing estates or in town and city centres.
Last week Home Secretary David Blunkett announced that youngsters given ASBOs would be "named and shamed", instead of leaving court with their identities under wraps.
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