Thousands of shoppers visit the MetroCentre every day

Peter Stevens, of Cartmel Grove, Gateshead, was given a four year Anti-Social Behaviour Order (Asbo) by magistrates earlier this week.

It was imposed as a result of his criminal behaviour in and around MetroCentre and its car parks.

He is now excluded from these areas and will be arrested if he goes into them.

Lifestyle change

This was the first Asbo to be obtained in the Gateshead west by Northumbria Police and more applications are in the pipeline.

Gateshead west area command chief inspector Ralph Logan, said: "We are satisfied Peter Stevens deserves the restrictions this Asbo will place on his lifestyle.

"It is set against a background of extensive offending by him in the area over a number of years involving the theft of vehicles.

"Others will find themselves before the courts and could be forced, through Asbo's, to change their lifestyle or face the consequences."