ADULTS are responsible for more than three-quarters of the worst instances of anti-social behaviour in Suffolk, it was revealed today.Statistics show people aged 18 and over wreak the most havoc in the county, rather than gangs of youngsters who are often blamed.

ADULTS are responsible for more than three-quarters of the worst instances of anti-social behaviour in Suffolk, it was revealed today.

Statistics show people aged 18 and over wreak the most havoc in the county, rather than gangs of youngsters who are often blamed.

Of the 111 anti-social behaviour orders (Asbos) currently in force, only 27 have been brought against people aged 17 and under.

And the majority have been issued against males, with just 11 handed out to females.

Andy Solomon, anti-social behaviour network manager for Ipswich, said there is a similar picture in Ipswich.

Of the 35 asbos in place, only five have been given to people aged 17 and under.

Mr Solomon said their use had largely been a success, despite 51 of the current orders being breached, leading to 33 custodial sentences.

He said: "Some have been successful and some not so successful.

"I think we've learned from the early applications that if you want the behaviour to stop, rather than just moving it elsewhere, you need to put something in place that's going to help the offenders as well as reduce their activities.

"For example, if there's an issue with alcohol it is worth encouraging them to attend an alcohol rehabilitation course."

Mr Solomon urged residents to make the authorities aware of incidents of anti-social behaviour so appropriate action can be taken.

He said: "Unless people tell us what their problems are we can't do a lot about them.

"We need the reports but people must realise that resolving the problems does take time and it's often something that cannot be solved overnight.

"But at least if we know about them we can put practises in place to deal with them."

Mr Solomon appealed for people to call the anti-social behaviour hotline, which is set to be publicised on the back of 60,000 car parking stickers in Suffolk.

If you would like to report an incident of anti-social behaviour, call 0800 1386570 or 0845 6002222.

Have you been a victim of anti-social behaviour? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.