More than a third of anti- social behaviour orders, the Government's flagship attempt to curb louts and vandals, are breached, according to official figures released yesterday.

Between June 2000 and December 2002, 305 out of 855 Asbos issued in England were flouted, a total of 36 per cent. Of those who broke the terms of the orders, 152 were given a custodial sentence, 93 received community sentences and 60 received other sentences, according to a spokeswoman for the Home Office.