Local authorities should "name and shame" yobs and louts, Charles Clarke has said.

The home secretary made the call on Tuesday as he hailed the success of the government's anti-social behaviour orders.

Charles Clarke said councils should take action to ensure no one is "above the law".

He published new guidance to councils saying that offenders should expect to have their personal details publicised to protect the community.

"Publicity is part of proper enforcement, which is essential if we are to tackle anti-social behaviour and reassure communities that something is being done," insisted Clarke.

Priority

He also said tackling anti-social behaviour "is a major priority for the government".

"We know that too many communities are still blighted by the mindless behaviour of a few yobs, who can ruin the quality of life for everyone," he said.

"Many offenders think that they are untouchable and above the law.

"If they thought that there would be a news blackout on their actions they must now think again.

"Publicising ASBOs has been tested in the courts and today we are making the position crystal clear - your photo could be all over the local media, your local community will know who you are, and breaching an ASBO could land you in prison."

The latest government statistics showed that from July to September 2004 some 730 ASBOs were issued, up on the 615 issued during the previous three months.

Of those ASBOs issued, 50 per cent were to adults and 45 per cent to juveniles, with five per cent being applied to people of unknown age.

Nearly half of all orders are being breached however.

Some 42 per cent were breached up to December 2003, compared to 36 per cent for the period up to December 2002.

Of those who breached their ASBO more than once, 55 per cent were taken into custody on the first or later occasion.

Tory response

Commenting on the figures, shadow home secretary David Davis said: "Eight years after Labour promised to get tough on anti-social behaviour, it is out of control.