A 17-year-old youth has become the first person to be issued with an anti-social behaviour order (ASBO) under Dover District’s 3 Strikes scheme.

The order, for two years, was imposed on Kyle Toptalo, from Dover, at a hearing before magistrates at Folkestone.

The 3 strikes scheme is a partnership between Kent Police, Dover Partnership Against Crime (DPAC) and local licensees aimed at reducing offending committed by those who abuse alcohol.

For the first 3 strikes-related offence a yellow card is issued warning offenders of alcohol abuse.

If they commit another 3 strikes-related offence in a 12-month period a Red Card is issued. At this stage details are passed to DPAC whose members may ban the person from licensed premises in the Dover District.

If the offender commits a further offence within a rolling 12 months, Kent Police may apply for an ASBO on conviction.

Toptalo has the following conditions as part of his ASBO:

* must not to be found drunk in a public place within a designated area of Dover at any time

* must not to enter Dover Town centre between 7pm and 7am

This is valid for two years until April 30, 2009.

Ch Insp Roy Cottam, district commander for Dover, said: “This outcome highlights the excellent partnership approach towards reducing alcohol related anti-social behaviour. The use of an ASBO will always come as a final tool to prevent further offending.

"Three Strikes has already reduced alcohol related violence in the main town areas and continues to be a good process of enabling the community to be able to safer socialise in the day and nightime economy."

He added: "Kent Police and the Dover District will continue to utilise this excellent scheme focusing on those individuals who want to spoil others recreational time."