A POLISH man who caused two years of crime and disorder in Worcester has been deported.

Using new laws, West Mercia Police worked with the UK Border Agency to send Piotr Ziobro back to Poland.

The 23-year-old, a rough sleeper with no fixed address, had been arrested 21 times and convicted of more than 30 offences relating to violence and disorder incidents, thefts and using threatening words and behaviour since arriving in Worcester in late 2009.

It is the first time West Mercia Police has used the new legislation.

Yesterday the force said Ziobro’s deportation had been necessary to protect other homeless people in Worcester and shopkeepers, who he regularly stole from.

Sergeant Carl Jones, of the Cathedral Local Policing Team, said: “Ziobro has been a thorough nuisance in Worcester city centre for two years, causing numerous incidents of violence and disorder, usually when he was drunk.

“He was stealing alcohol from local shops and sleeping rough, and has intimidated other homeless people in the city.”

Sgt Jones said the police welcomed law-abiding immigrants to Worcester, but warned the force would use the Europe-wide legislation again if necessary to deport anyone who, instead of contributing to society, was actively involved in crime and disorder.

“His (Ziobro) deportation is very good news,” he said.

“I have no doubt that the sight of this man walking around Worcester drunk would have had a damaging affect on the reputation of the city and the sense of security of other residents and visitors.

“This man is not typical of the Polish community in Worcester and his behaviour was also damaging the reputation of our eastern European communities.

“I know that people in the local Polish community are pleased to see the back of him.

"His removal will also protect from harm homeless people, who are a vulnerable group, and it will be welcomed by the local shopkeepers who Ziobro stole from.

"I would also like to thank our colleagues at the UK Border Agency for their assistance and guidance in using this new legislation to take action against Ziobro.”

Ziobro was deported on Friday, February 17, under legislation enacted in 2006, which allows countries such as the UK to deport European nationals who are not working and are deemed unable to support themselves.