More than 1,700 calls about anti-social behaviour made in Sandwell as cases rise

It comes as the council reveals plans to tackle hotspots across the borough.

The greatest number of reported incidents have been in the Soho Victoria, West Bromwich Central and Princes End wards.

Council officers have been working with police and the fire service on a six-week campaign aiming to reduce anti-social behaviour and crime.

This has included tackling drug dealing, disorder involving people living in neighbourhoods and threats of violence.

But there has also been a clear up of fly-tipping and moves to tackle rough sleepers, street drinking and rogue traders.

Officials say they have been targeting a well known gang operating in part of the borough and took action to evict members from homes and issue anti-social behaviour orders.

In total there have been 1,774 record events of anti-social behaviour in 2014 compared to 1,770 in 2013.

Many wards have shown a reduction in the number of incidents - most noticeably in Tividale which has risen by 43, Oldbury which has had a rise of 31 and Newton which has had 15 more recorded acts than last year.

The report said: "The main hotspots for youth related anti-social behaviour are located around Friar Park, Princes End, Guns Village,

Wednesbury and West Bromwich town centre and Wood Green.

"Youth antisocial behaviour hotspots in south Sandwell have reduced over the past 12 months although localised pockets of youth anti-social behaviour still exists.

"Initial analysis of the nature and extent of the anti-social behaviour hotspots across Sandwell has started, and work to obtain a more detailed understanding of the issues identified is now in progress."

More powers came into affect in October allowing police officers and officials to use a greater range of ways to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime.

The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act replaces 19 former powers with six which are designed to be quicker and more flexible and designed to give victims a greater say in the way their reports are dealt with.

An anti-social behaviour task group was set up including members from the police and council and other organisations to help implement the powers.

The report added: "A community safety and anti-social behaviour manager is reviewing policy, procedure processes to align them with the new powers and tools, working closely with the police and partners."