More than 200 Sussex yobs have been given anti-social behaviour orders, latest Home Office figures revealed yesterday.

The number of Asbos restricting movements and behaviour increased from 180 to 201 in Sussex between July and September last year.

The 11.7 per cent rise was in line with the national average increase.

However, fewer are being issued in Brighton and Hove, which already had one of the highest figures in the country.

There were 86 in place in the city by September although only nine have been issued since last March.

The rest were issued in county areas such as Eastbourne, which had 14 at the latest count, Hastings (22), Rother (11), Crawley (14) and Lewes (nine).

The Home Office update on the use of Asbos across the country also revealed that almost half of those in Sussex have been slapped on tearaways under the age of 18.

Of Sussex yobs given Asbos in the last five years, 90 were between the ages of ten and 17.

Home Office minister Hazel Blears said: "Anti-social behaviour can be a harrowing experience that no one should have to endure.

"Today's statistics show that local authorities, the police and the courts are not hesitating to use Asbos to clamp down on the problem.

"I am extremely encouraged that they continue to be used.

"Over the past twelve months we have seen enthusiastic take-up of Asbos, which sends out a clear message to those people who persist in this behaviour that action will be taken against them."

Critics argue, however, that Asbos are being routinely ignored by offenders.

The Argus reported in January that the number of breaches far outnumbered the number of orders in issue.

Figures released by Sussex Police under the Freedom of Information Act showed there had been 272 Asbo breaches in the 12 months to September 2005.