West Cumbrian Shoplifter Banned From Dozens Of Stores For Two Years
A West Cumbrian man has been banned from entering a long list of supermarkets and shops for two years after police secured a criminal behaviour order following his conviction for shoplifting.
Jamie Houghton, 34, from Workington, was made subject to the order at Workington Magistrates’ Court after Allerdale police successfully applied for restrictions aimed at preventing further offending.
The order covers a number of retail locations across Workington, Maryport and Cockermouth. Houghton is prohibited from entering specified premises associated with Schemelink, as well as several major supermarkets and other stores.
The restrictions include shops and supermarkets such as Booths, Asda at Dunmail Park, Aldi on Derwent Drive, Morrisons Daily on Harrington Road, Spar on Harrington Road, Tesco on New Bridge Road, Lidl in Maryport and Home Bargains in Workington.
The order also prevents Houghton from entering Dunmail Park in Workington and Sainsbury’s on Station Street in Cockermouth.
There is one specific exception within the restrictions. Houghton is permitted to enter Morrisons on Derwent Drive in Workington despite the wider restrictions relating to premises displaying the Schemelink sign.
The measures are intended to prevent further incidents at stores where repeat offending has become a concern. Criminal behaviour orders can impose restrictions on individuals when courts consider them necessary to prevent further anti social behaviour or criminal activity.
Police forces can apply for such orders following convictions where there is evidence that additional restrictions could help prevent further offending.
In Houghton's case, the order places clear geographical restrictions on where he can go, covering a significant number of retail premises across West Cumbria.
Anyone subject to a criminal behaviour order must comply with its conditions for the specified period. Breaching the terms can result in further criminal proceedings and a significant prison sentence.
Breaking the conditions of Houghton's order could result in a punishment of up to five years in prison.
The case comes as retailers and police continue to focus on tackling repeat shoplifting across the UK. Restrictions on prolific offenders are increasingly being used alongside prosecutions and other measures to protect businesses and reduce repeated incidents.
For businesses in West Cumbria, the order provides additional protection by preventing Houghton from entering a number of frequently used retail locations.
The two year restriction will remain in place for the duration specified by the court, with police able to take action if Houghton is found breaching its conditions.
The case also highlights the wider consequences that can follow repeated shoplifting, with offenders potentially facing restrictions on where they can go in addition to the penalties imposed for individual offences.
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