Basildon shoplifter banned from BP garages in Essex for five years
He stole over £1,900 in food and groceries during six-month spree.
A Basildon man has been banned from entering any BP service station in Essex for five years after admitting to a six-month spree of shoplifting.
Brian Howard, 56, of Turner Close, faced Basildon magistrates on 31st October after pleading guilty to 32 shop thefts, targeting BP garages on East Mayne and Nether Mayne.
The court heard that between 7th May and 24th October, Howard had stolen at least £1,900 worth of food and groceries from the two garages.
An investigation by the Basildon Neighbourhood Policing Team gathered a wealth of CCTV footage and witness statements, leaving Howard with no choice but to admit to the thefts.
As a result of the hearing, Howard was issued with a criminal behaviour order forbidding him from entering any forecourt or shop at a BP service station in Essex for the next five years.
If he breaches the conditions of this order, Howard could face fines or a prison sentence.
In addition to the order, Howard was sentenced to 12 weeks in jail, suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to complete a six-month drug rehabilitation course and take part in 30 days of rehabilitation activity.
The magistrates also ordered that Howard must pay £1,855.71 in compensation to the two garages he targeted.
The Basildon Neighbourhood Policing Team continues to work with local businesses to tackle shoplifting and ensure breaches of criminal behaviour orders are acted upon swiftly.
Howard’s case highlights the importance of community collaboration in deterring crime and holding repeat offenders accountable.