Matthew Lee Yorke: Faces five years if he breaks the order

A man who stole from vehicles to feed his drug habit has been banned from 91 car parks in Plymouth.

Twenty-three-year old Matthew Lee Yorke, from St Budeaux, was convicted of attempted theft by city magistrates last week.

It followed a string of similar offences in the last five years.

If he breaches the Anti-social behaviour order (Asbo), he could go to jail for five years.

It's a very significant development for the police PC Sid Siddall

Asbos

This is the first time Devon and Cornwall police have been able to request an Asbo without going through a lengthy procedure involving the county court.

Plymouth City Council has obtained Asbos from city magistrates against a number of people, including anti-social neighbours.

But under new rules, police can now seek similar "fast-track" orders.

Police said it allow them to apply for Asbos for other offenders who persistently commit anti-social behaviour - such as shoplifting, begging and even drunkenness.

Pc Sid Siddall, from Plymouth police, said: "It's a very significant development for the police.

"For a long time we have had problems with prolific offenders, but it is case of having to catch them in the act.

"These orders can stop them from doing certain things and being in certain places."

He said the police would be asking for more orders.

He said: "We do not want them for every offender, but for certain offenders they can be very useful and appropriate."