Analysis: Antisocial behaviour - Positive ways of dealing with theso-called yobs

In recent weeks, the Government has made it clear that it intends to fight the next election on the basis of strong law and order policies, with a particular emphasis on antisocial behaviour. It is piloting the use of fixed penalty notices for 10- to 16-year-olds in five areas of the country, and last month introduced proposals for legislation that would give community wardens the power to issue on-the-spot fines.

Politicians take hard line

The Labour Party is not alone on its tough stance on antisocial behaviour.

Both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats have supported the Government's position, making it likely that troublesome young people - who commit more than 60 per cent of antisocial offences - will be subject to tougher punishments, regardless of who wins the election. Indeed earlier this year, Mark Oaten, the Liberal Democrat's home affairs spokesman, was ridiculed by his political opponents for suggesting that joyriders should be taken banger racing to divert them away from crime.