THE number of anti-social behaviour orders made in Kirklees is increasing.

The number of Asbos handed out nationally leaped by 11% to 7,356 last year.

And in Kirklees, 36 orders were made on juveniles and adults in the year from 2005 to 2006.

The figure represents a rise from 34 in the previous year and 14 in the year before that.

Recent Government figures show a total 109 Asbos were handed out by courts in Kirklees between April 1999 and December 2005 - more than 11% of the Yorkshire and Humber regional total.

Members of Kirklees Anti-Social Behaviour Unit say they work to ensure problems people experience related to anti-social behaviour are nipped in the bud as soon as possible.

The Unit, formed in 2003, represents a partnership between Kirklees Council and West Yorkshire Police.

The team comprises of a co-ordinator, two community safety officers, an education social worker, an environmental health officer and a youth offending team practitioner.

Anti-social behaviour co-ordinator Bill Swap explained: "Our role is very much focused on early intervention.

"As soon as a case is referred to us we look at how that individual can best be dealt with and identify any other services that need to be contacted.

"There are a number of ways we deal with offenders - such as offering counselling, drug and alcohol support, mentoring and mediation sessions between two parties.

Garry Collins, community safety officer for the unit, added: "People have a misconception of the types of people committing anti-social behaviour - they think of rowdy kids on council estates.

"But this isn't the case - more Asbos are issued to adults.

"The term `Anti-social behaviour' also encompasses a broad terminology - a person facing mental health difficulties may be also be seen as a nuisance by neighbours.

The team has dealt with more than 500 cases involving juveniles and adults in the last year - most of which have been dealt through warnings and contracts for good behaviour.

Mr Collins believes a low number of Asbos issued is down to the problem being addressed at an early stage.

He says the key to dealing with anti-social behaviour effectively, is a community working together to tackle the problem.

He said: "People who do not come forward and report problems are contributing to the Asbo culture.

"Everyone has a stake in their own community - it is everybody's problem."

Bob Scott, youth offending team practitioner, said: "Often all young people need is to be sat down with their parents and told what will happen to them in the future if they continue to behave badly.

"We let them know that there are alternatives for them and we encourage them to take part in worthwhile activities, ranging from sport to art.

"We try to keep them out of the criminal justice system - and most of the time, when warnings are given, no further action need be taken."