A SERIAL thief believed to be responsible for almost one in five bag snatches in the Scottish capital has been banned from almost 40 streets in the city centre for two years in a landmark anti-social behaviour order ruling.
After an interim ASBO was served on James McMillan, 32, in July, there was an 18 per cent reduction in bag snatches and similar thefts in central Edinburgh.
For the past few years, McMillan has specialised in the theft of handbags, purses and wal
lets. He developed a variety of "distraction" tactics and his methods of "acquiring" valuables included using fish hooks to reel in bags in bars.
The thief, who has more than 60 convictions for dishonesty, usually targeted the patrons of bars and restaurants, often preying on tourists and women.
The streets covered by the ASBO order stretch from Queen Street to Lauriston Place, and Haymarket to South Bridge.
It is the largest area ever covered by an ASBO, according to Lothian and Borders Police.
If picked up in any of these areas, McMillan, from Niddrie Mill Crescent, faces up to six months in prison, according to the ruling at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday.
McMillan's activities first came to police attention in July 2003 after a number of his victims gave evidence in writing describing the alarm and distress they felt as a result of his bag snatching.
The victims, some living as far away as Australia and the US, told of suffering "fear, alarm or distress" because of his crimes. Their testimony allowed Edinburgh Council to pursue a civil ASBO.
Managers of premises where thefts had been carried out by McMillan also gave evidence and identified him.
Detective Constable Andrew Higgins, who led the investigation, said: "This is a great result for the council and for police. This will have a major impact on the crime levels across the area - the people previously targeted, the majority of which have been women or tourists in bars and cafes.
"He specialises in distraction thefts. Since the interim order was introduced in July, crimes of this nature have dropped by 18 per cent in the exclusion order and around 26 per cent in the south side. The majority of this is down to the order against McMillan.
"This order is an additional power to our existing methods and we are now considering further applications following this success."
Sheila Gilmore, the council's executive member for community safety and housing, said: "The court's decision today sends out a strong message that we will not put up with this or any form of antisocial behaviour that prevents the vast majority of residents and visitors from going about their business safely and in peace."
McMillan made no comment as he left Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday.
