If someone has committed a number of anti-social offences and refused to change their behaviour, they may be issued with an Anti-social Behaviour Order (ASBO).  They can be given to anyone over the age of ten.

ASBOs are court orders that can stop an offender going to a certain area of spending time with certain people or doing certain things.  There are a number of organisations that can apply for one, including the police, local authorities, registered social landlords and the British Transport Police.

ASBOs have been designed to protect members of the public from anti-social behaviour.  Rather than punishing the offender they aim to prevent similar behaviour in the future.

If an ASBO is issued, it will last for at least two years.  However, the Order is reviewed on a regular basis.  This means that if someone's behaviour shows improvement, then certain conditions of the ASBO may be removed or changed.

If a person is subject to an ASBO, they will not get a criminal record unless a court finds them guilty of breaking the order.

If someone breaks the terms of an ASBO, they are committing a criminal offence.  They can be arrested and the case will be heard in court.  If the court finds the person guilty, punishment will depend on the age of the person and how serious the offence was.  Time spent in custody, community sentences or a fine can be given to those people who break the terms of their ASBO and are found guilty.