 The man has been banned from almost 40 Edinburgh streets |
A man has become the first person to be banned from the centre of Edinburgh after stealing bags from customers in bars and restaurants. James McMillan, 32, of Niddrie Mill Crescent, has a number of convictions for the offences.
He has been served with an interim Anti-social Behaviour Order (Asbo) banning him from the city centre but a full Asbo was being sought.
McMillan has been banned from an exclusion zone of almost 40 streets.
The ban follows a joint investigation by the council's anti-social behaviour investigation team (Asbit) and Lothian and Borders Police.
Councillor Sheila Gilmore said: "People have the right to enjoy Edinburgh's city centre without fear of having their possessions stolen from a bar or restaurant.
"This is yet more evidence of our unwavering commitment to keeping the city's residents and visitors safe."
The council's writ states that McMillan targeted customers at some of the capital's busiest food and drinks venues, stealing handbags, purses and wallets.
He was alleged to have targeted elderly women and visitors to the city.
'Professional criminal'
McMillan has been described as a "professional criminal" who has used stolen bank or credit cards to commit fraudulent transactions.
Officials said that he has been committing the crimes since at least July 2003.
A Lothian and Borders Police spokeswoman said: "This case highlights the type of results that can be achieved by working in partnership and utilising the latest anti-social behaviour legislation.
"This individual has committed a huge number of offences, leaving a trail of victims in his wake.
"The order will make it significantly more difficult for him to operate and will make the city centre a safer place."
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The order will make it significantly more difficult for him to operate and will make the city centre a safer place
