Car park ban for 'prolific thief'

Police said Malcolm Pattison was a prolific thief

A prolific car thief has been banned from every car park in England and Wales after action by Tyneside police.

Between April and July 2005, Malcolm Pattison, from Newcastle, was convicted eight times for vehicle crime.

Now he has been given a two-year Anti Social Behaviour Order (Asbo) and banned from entering any public car park in England and Wales.

The order, imposed by Newcastle magistrates, only allows Pattison to enter car parks as a car passenger.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: "We hope that this order has reassured members of the public and helps protect people who park their cars.

"This result sends a positive message to the local community that such behaviour will not be tolerated and the authorities will continue to take firm action against those who flout the law."