A NEWLY introduced crime-fighting tool has been used to tackle the illegal activities of two repeat offenders from Bradford.

Criminal Behaviour Orders were introduced late last year, and work in a similar way to anti-social behaviour orders.

They are given to people who have been convicted of crimes such as shoplifting. If these people break the order they are given prison sentences, rather than being taken back to court to face new charges.

In just over a week, two of these orders have been given to persistent Bradford criminals.

James Murray, responsible for a string of shoplifting offences, was given a three year order preventing him from entering certain shops in the Holme Wood area.

And, as reported in the T&A previously, Gemma Dean was given a five year order preventing her from asking for money from individuals or businesses after admitting a number of fraud offences.

Murray, 26, of Woolston Close, had committed numerous theft offences on The Weaverthorpe Retail Park and the Co-op Store on Broadstone Way. His CBO bans him from entering the Co-op or the retail park, or remain in any shop if he is asked to leave.

His order lasts until June 2018.

Dean, 28, of Methuen Oval, Wyke had admitted knocking on people's doors saying that her son was alone in hospital, and she needed money for a taxi to get there. Among her victims was an elderly woman, from whom she took £50.

Last Friday a judge gave her a five year CBO, and told the mother of three that if she broke the order she could be sent to prison for up to five years. It prevents her from approaching any business or home, other than relatives or charities, and ask for money, or beg for money in a public place.

Inspector Wayne Horner, of West Yorkshire Police, said: "Anti-Social Behaviour can have a massive impact upon individuals and communities. Having already improved public perception around levels of anti-social behaviour, it remains a priority for West Yorkshire Police and our partners, including local councils and housing providers.

"The Criminal Behaviour Order is one of a range of new powers introduced last year under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act, which enable officers to deal with reported incidents more quickly and effectively.

"The Order works like its predecessor, the Anti-Social Behaviour Order, and is used to specifically deal with repeat ASB offenders when they are convicted. Breaches of the order can result in a five-year prison sentence.

"West Yorkshire Police is committed to responding to all reports of anti-social behaviour and working closely with partners to ensure effective diversion, education, enforcement and prevention - as these all contribute towards improving the quality of life for people who live, work and socialise in our county."