A PROLIFIC shoplifter is being targeted by a new police initiative - the flyer squad.

Pamphlets carrying the mugshot of Patrick Blair have been handed out to shop staff in Dorchester asking them to report him if he breaches his Anti-Social Behaviour Order.

In July, Blair, 35, of High Street, Fordington, was given the first ASBO in the West Dorset District Council area for shoplifting and threatening and attacking shop staff.

The order requires him to behave in stores all over Dorset and bans him from entering the Tesco supermarket complex in Dorchester for two years. He is also banned from harassing police officers and community support officers.

A summary of Blair's criminal record is printed on the flyer. It includes more than 50 theft-related offences, assaulting shop staff and police officers, threatening a witness with a knife and criminal damage.

It is the first time that police in West Dorset have used flyers to help them enforce an ASBO.

It reads: "Patrick Blair is now suffering the consequences of his own anti-social behaviour.

"If others behave in a threatening, alarming or distressing way we should work together to stop them and make a safer neighbourhood for ourselves and our children.

"By getting involved and having the courage to speak out, we can make people like Patrick Blair accountable for their actions. Help to improve your community and take back control."

Sgt Nikki Pardey said: "At the end of the day, we want the ASBOs to be complied with.

"For ASBOs to be effective it is essential that the public are aware of the existence of orders and leaflets are an excellent way of doing this.

"This will let the shopkeepers know that someone is listening and hopefully they will feel safer in their day to day lives."

If Blair breaches his ASBO he can be arrested and sent to court where he could be sentenced to up to five years imprisonment.

A spokesman for Dorchester Radio Link said: "It is a step in the right direction. The leaflets are helpful and there is now no worry about new staff knowing who he is.

"The ASBO has its limitations because Blair is still allowed to go wherever he wants in the town centre and he is still around here daily, in and out of the stores."