A NOTORIOUS shoplifter who used the Central Line to ferry him between High Streets, has been handed an ASBO banning him from every shop in Redbridge.

Thief Tom King is not allowed to visit any store in the borough for three years, under the terms of an anti-social behaviour order (ASBO) handed down by Redbridge magistrates.

It is the first time anyone has been banned from all shops in the borough.

The 26-year-old drug addict, from Epping, stole from dozens of shops in Wanstead, Woodford and South Woodford to fund his habit, often using violence to intimidate staff or customers who tried to stop him.

One one occasion the 6ft thug smashed his way through a security door to escape from a garage he had stolen from, in Chigwell Road, after the manager locked him in.

PC John McGranahan, of Bridge ward Safer Neighbour-hoods Team (SNT), said the sentence would be welcomed by King's many victims across the borough.

He said: "This man caused misery for shopkeepers all over Redbridge, and hopefully this ASBO will bring an end to his activities here.

"He used to skip the fare on the tube and simply get off at different High Streets up and down the Central Line, from Woodford down to Wanstead.

"Luckily we had access to lots of CCTV evidence of him committing these offences, which helped us to bring this conviction."

PC Declan Maloney slammed the thief for targetting smaller shops, particularly those run by women or older people who were less likely to put up resistance.

He said: "He used to target shops run by more vulnerable people, who would be less likely to try and stop him.

"If anyone sees him in a shop anywhere in the borough they need to call the police right away."

King has also been banned from all UK branches of Boots the chemists, and Co-op supermarkets.

Anyone seeing him breach the terms of the ASBO should call 999, or telephone Bridge ward SNT on 8345 3628.