Repeat offender gets city's first 'Crasbo'

A TEENAGER who is one of the city's worst repeat offenders has become the first person in Edinburgh to be issued with a "Crasbo".

The Criminal Antisocial Behaviour Order was issued as a result of the 16-year-old boy's continued offending over the past two years.

The order, also known as an Asbo on conviction, can be imposed instead of, or in addition to, any court sentence.

Conditions of the 'Crasbo' ban the boy from entering Hay Avenue, Hay Gardens, Hay Terrace, Hay Place, Hay Drive, Niddrie Mains Drive, Niddrie Mains Terrace, Caldermuir Gardens and Cakemuir Grove.

He is also banned from entering Macdonald's at Fort Kinnaird Retail Park, the Jack Kane Centre and its playing fields and Hunter's Hall Park.

Under the order, he must also refrain from acting in an antisocial manner, or pursuing a course of antisocial conduct by throwing missiles, including stones; stealing or attempting to steal any property, including motor vehicles; illegally driving any motor vehicle, including any motorcycle, either off road or otherwise; entering any property to steal or with the intention of stealing, or forcing entry, or attempting to force entry, to any property with the intention of stealing.

A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said: "This Crasbo represents the culmination of a number of low-level criminal offences, which were disrupting communities and blighting everyday life for a number of people.

"It is an effective way of responding quickly to tackle antisocial behaviour in recognition of the distress and disruption being caused by any individual.

"The Crasbo also sends a strong message to other regular offenders that we are willing to use this legislation to target them."