A youth blamed for causing a "mini-crimewave" in Tadcaster has been banned from entering the town.

Residents today welcomed the area's first Antisocial Behaviour Order (ASBO), imposed by Selby magistrates on the Leeds youngster, who committed a total of 16 offences in just three months.

North Yorkshire Police community safety officer PC John Bolton, who acted in partnership with Selby District Council to apply for the order, said the youth was arrested more than five times in Tadcaster after travelling from Leeds.

His offences included vehicle thefts, burglaries and acts of vandalism.

The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, could be arrested and jailed if he breaches the order and enters Tadcaster again.

PC Bolton said: "This youth was a one-man mini-crimewave who caused misery and distress to a large number of residents in Tadcaster. We're extremely pleased at the success in preventing him from committing further offences.

"We will continue to work with Selby District Council to target individuals who commit antisocial behaviour."

Julia Hirst, district council policy development officer, said: "This is our first order in the district, and, where appropriate, consideration will be given to future cases.

"This is a good example of how the council and police continue to work together to address community safety issues."

Pensioner Joe Scrancher, who lives on the Woodlands Estate, said the order had put a lot of residents' minds at rest.

He said: "A lot of older people in the town are terrified by youngsters like him. It's a great relief."

Tadcaster town councillor Richard Sweeting said today he welcomed the ASBO.

He said: "I hope it will act as a warning to other potential troublemakers."

Selby MP John Grogan said: "I congratulate the police and council on imposing this order. There may be a number of cases in the future where it's just as applicable.

"Hopefully, residents in Tadcaster will sleep that much better in their beds tonight."

North Yorkshire Police Superintendent John Lacy told a public meeting at Riccall last week that the force would seek to impose ASBOs on a handful of hooligans said to be "wrecking" the lives of 2,000 people in the village.

Hidden CCTV cameras discovered most of the vandalism had been caused by youngsters from just five families.

Updated: 15:22 Tuesday, April 24, 2001