A prolific shoplifter has been jailed and banned from entering every Co-op store in Swindon after admitting a string of thefts across the town.
Jake Morrish, 31, of no fixed address, appeared before Swindon Magistrates’ Court on 9 July, where he pleaded guilty to 14 counts of shop theft, two bicycle thefts and failing to appear at court.
He was sentenced to six months and two weeks in prison and ordered to pay compensation to the two victims whose bicycles were stolen.
In addition to the custodial sentence, magistrates imposed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), which will remain in force for two years.
The order prohibits Morrish from entering any Co-op store within the borough of Swindon, giving police additional powers to act should he breach the restrictions.
The case was investigated by officers working on Operation Stabilise, Wiltshire Police’s initiative targeting prolific retail offenders and tackling repeat shoplifting across the county.
PC Andrew Deller said: “Thanks to an investigation by officers on Op Stabilise – which tackles prolific retail crime – Morrish has been given a custodial sentence and is now subject to a CBO.
“I hope this sends a strong message to our retailers that this type of prolific offending is taken seriously by the force, and by our courts.
“Retail crime is not a victimless offence. Shop workers have the right to feel safe in their workplace, and we will continue to work closely with retailers to identify prolific offenders and take robust action against those who persistently commit these crimes.”
Wiltshire Police says it remains committed to working with retailers to identify repeat offenders and use measures such as Criminal Behaviour Orders to help protect shop workers and businesses from persistent offending.
