A MAN with more than 40 convictions for shoplifting has been banned from entering shops in Hyndburn for three years.

Andrew Hill, 26, of Rothwell Avenue, Accrington, was described by police as a "prolific offender."

He has now received an anti-social behaviour order after Hyndburn magistrates were told he repeatedly targeted scores of shops in Great Harwood, Rishton and Clayton-le-Moors to feed a drug habit.

Great Harwood police today welcomed the ASBO and said it will protect shop staff and customers who were always too frightened to confront him.

The order was made after Hill was convicted of a further five charges of shoplifting. It prevents him from causing harassment, harm or distress to any person or inciting another person to cause harassment, harm or distress.

Hill is also banned from entering any retail premise in Hyndburn where he has been banned by the owner or occupier, including petrol stations. Nor can he stay in any shop after being asked to leave. There are 17 shops in Great Harwood, Rishton and Clayton-le-Moors, that have served Hill with prohibited notices, including off-licences, newsagents and general stores.

Hill was spared a custodial sentence for his latest string of crimes after agreeing to accept a drug treatment order to get him to come off drugs.

PC Helen Jackson, community beat manager for Great Harwood, said: "This ASBO will protect members of staff who were frightened to confront him about his shoplifting.

"But this type of order not only assists the public but also assists the offender. Mr Hill did not object to the order as he knows it is the only way of stopping himself from entering these shops.

"It is his desire to come off drugs and to stop re-offending.

"He knows that if he goes into these stores it is not just a shop lifting offence he would be committing but something more serious.

"I think the ASBO will work because during the time he was on bail for his last offence he did not re-offend. That isn't to say he didn't offend elsewhere but he didn't offend in Hyndburn."