MAGISTRATES have imposed the first Anti-Social Behaviour Order (Asbo) in the Gateshead West area on a 21-year-old man.

Peter Stevens, of Cartmel Grove, Gateshead, was given a four-year order by the town's magistrates as a result of criminal behaviour in and around the MetroCentre and its car parks.

The order excludes him from those areas and he could be arrested if he goes into them.

Chief Inspector Ralph Logan, of Gateshead West Area Command, 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 Asbos, to change their lifestyle or face the consequences."