Chelmsford shoplifter banned from certain stores for two years
Criminal Behaviour Order issued after theft convictions
A prolific shoplifter, Ryan Hammond, has been banned from entering certain shops in Essex for the next two years.
Hammond targeted the Co-op, Tesco, and M&S stores in Chelmsford city centre between 17th and 29th July.
He was arrested by Chelmsford Neighbourhood Policing Team on 30th July and shortly afterwards, charged.
The 39-year-old from Nickleby Road, Chelmsford, admitted seven counts of theft from a shop at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on 1st August.
Ryan Hammond is now subject to a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).
The order prohibits him from entering any Co-op, Tesco, and M&S stores in Essex, or being intoxicated in Chelmsford City Centre.
Additionally, Hammond must engage with drug and alcohol support services.
Sergeant Graham Thomas from the Chelmsford Neighbourhood Policing Team emphasised the impact of shoplifting on businesses and staff.
"Shoplifting is a blight on our communities and has a real impact on the businesses targeted and their staff," Thomas said.
"We take this type of crime really seriously, no matter how big or small the value of the theft is."
"We’re committed to keeping businesses safe, whether they be your local independent retailer or a larger chain."
In the past year, Chelmsford district resolved 520 shoplifting offences, marking a 31 percent increase from the previous year.