WELL done Evening Press for your up-front positive reporting about the teenager ordered to stay out of York for two years ("Get out and stay out", November 25).

It is a change from the many negative anti-social stories which find their way on to your front page, heightening fear of crime in this city.

This persistent offender's anti-social behaviour has blighted the life of many good law-abiding citizens, particularly those who live on the east side of the city. I and my colleagues and all the agencies involved in bringing this order before the court are delighted with the result.

This order is one of the most restrictive ever to be issued by a court in this country. To ban a teenager from entering the city of his birth sends a clear message that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in York.

I view this as a significant success in the fight against anti-social behaviour, but it could not have been achieved without the active co-operation of the Safer York Partnership, local residents, the City of York Council's housing and legal team and local community beat officer, Ian Manley.

Much has been said in the local media about the need for the police, local councils and the public to work together to tackle anti-social behaviour. Issuing this hard-hitting Anti-Social Behaviour Order is a fine example of that partnership in action. Together we can make a difference.

Chief Superintendent John Lacy,

Area Commander,

York Police, Fulford Road, York.

Updated: 11:42 Friday, November 28, 2003