Anti-social behaviour orders (Asbos) are supposed to allow residents to enjoy life instead of living in fear.

But try telling that to Miriam Binder, who is being persecuted by yobs at her home on the Whitehawk estate in Brighton.

Mrs Binder, a grandmother, has become a target for youths, perhaps as the result of her work as a volunteer for East Brighton New Deal for Communities.

Two of her cats have been murdered, her car destroyed, soiled nappies dumped in her garden and doors kicked in.

Experts believe Asbos and acceptable behaviour contracts have helped cut crime by eight per cent in Whitehawk.

But Mrs Binder is doubting their value after experiencing a catalogue of crime and vandalism directed at her.

Orders are made and they do not seem to diminish attacks that would have finished a less determined woman.

On the other side of the coin, we report today on the case of a youth with Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism, who has been an admitted nuisance.

Our story, relayed in his own words, must cast doubt on whether the treatment he has been given is the best either for him or for society.

Asbos are a fairly new weapon in the war against crime. It is bound to take time to get them right.

But they must be used with care and precision, both for the sake of the youngsters concerned and their victims.