Barnstaple man jailed after stealing charity boxes and causing disruption
Danny Hawkins, 34, was sentenced after admitting criminal damage, burglary offences, and an offence of theft by finding
Last updated 17th Dec 2025
A 34-year-old man from Barnstaple has been jailed for three years after stealing charity boxes and causing criminal damage.
Danny Hawkins, who is of no fixed address in Barnstaple, was sentenced on Tuesday 2nd December at Exeter Crown Court, after admitting criminal damage, burglary offences and theft by finding.
These were all taken into consideration upon sentencing.
Hawkins has also been issued with an eight-year Criminal Behaviour Order.
The order prohibits Hawkins from behaving in an anti-social manner that could cause harassment, alarm, or distress to any person across England and Wales.
It also bans him from being drunk or under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances in public places, carrying open containers of alcohol in public unless in licensed premises, and urinating or defecating in public spaces.
Additionally, Hawkins cannot enter specific establishments when released—these include any McDonald's Restaurant in Devon, and other named businesses such as Boots, Tesco, and Coral Bookmakers, along with Queen Anne’s Café in Barnstaple.
The Criminal Behaviour Order will be effective from 2 December 2025.
PC Ben Beechey who leads the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Barnstaple said: “We’re pleased that Danny Hawkins is off the streets and is no longer able to cause issues in Barnstaple.
“Hawkins’ behaviour has caused disruption in the area for several months, and the theft of charity boxes demonstrates his blatant disregard for the community.
“The criminal behaviour order is a proactive tool that will help us to manage Hawkins robustly when he is eventually released, and we will continue to work with local residents and retailers to tackle anti-social behaviour and bring thieves to justice.
"I would like to thank each and every person who made reports and provided evidence that allowed us to target this offender. I’d also like to acknowledge the efforts of my team who work incredibly hard day in, day out, to make Barnstaple a safe place for everyone to live, work or visit.”