In the first three months of this year, the number of Asbos issued in the two counties went up more than ten-fold.

The figures from the Home Office compare the number of orders issued between January and March 2004 with the same period this year.

Two Asbos were issued in 2004 compared with 27 this year - one of the biggest increases in the country.

The orders can be sought by councils or the police for a range of reasons including dealing with tearaway youths or nuisance neighbours.