A persistent Swindon shoplifter has been sentenced to six months in prison and issued with a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) after committing more than 20 offences across the town.
Mark Stiggers, 34, of no fixed abode, was handed the sentence during a court hearing on Tuesday, 25th March. His CBO prohibits him from entering any retail or business premises from which he has been banned. Furthermore, if asked to leave any shop or business, he must do so immediately without using aggressive or abusive language or behaviour. Breaching the order is a criminal offence that carries a potential prison sentence of up to five years.
Inspector David Tippetts, who chairs the multi-agency panel responsible for CBO applications, highlighted the importance of the ruling: “Stiggers is a prolific criminal who has shown complete disregard for bail conditions and has plagued small shops in East Swindon over the past few months, causing distress to shop workers.
“This order sends a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated. Any breaches will be met with swift action. This is the third such order obtained this year, and we will continue to use these measures against persistent offenders responsible for antisocial behaviour in Swindon.”
The decision to apply for a CBO is not taken lightly, with applications reviewed by a panel comprising representatives from the Probation Service, Swindon Borough Council, substance misuse support services, and mental health professionals. The panel also includes members of Swindon’s Neighbourhood Policing Teams, the Integrated Offender Management team, and the Neighbourhood Harm Reduction Unit.
CBOs aim to address offending behaviour in a fair and proportionate manner while ensuring offenders are given a chance to reform. However, authorities have made it clear that any violations will be pursued rigorously.
With Stiggers behind bars and a firm order in place, businesses and shop workers in Swindon will be hoping for some much-needed respite from his disruptive activities.
