Canterbury Shoplifter Banned from All Kent Co-Op Stores After Criminal Behaviour Order

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The ban covers every Co-Op store throughout Kent – that’s a hefty restriction given the chain’s presence across Maidstone, Ashford, Dover, Folkestone and Canterbury itself.

What Criminal Behaviour Orders Mean

Criminal Behaviour Orders replaced Anti-Social Behaviour Orders. Courts can issue them alongside criminal sentences to tackle persistent antisocial behaviour by placing specific prohibitions on offenders.

Breaching one is itself a criminal offence. Up to five years in prison. This means any attempt by the woman to enter a Co-Op store in Kent during the ban period could result in further charges – which seems rather unwise.

Tackling Retail Crime

The case highlights ongoing efforts by Kent Police to address retail crime, which affects businesses and ultimately pushes up costs for all shoppers. Canterbury’s busy high street makes it a particular target for both legitimate shoppers and those with less honest intentions.

Local retailers have increasingly called for stronger action against repeat offenders. The linking of multiple Canterbury thefts to one individual shows just how persistent some can be. And brazen.

Key Takeaways

• A shoplifter has been banned from all Kent Co-Op stores for two years under a Criminal Behaviour Order
• Police linked the woman to multiple theft incidents across Canterbury after her arrest
• Breaking the ban could result in up to five years imprisonment

What This Means for Kent Residents

This case shows how Criminal Behaviour Orders can provide practical protection for local businesses and shopping areas. If you’re a retailer experiencing repeat theft issues, Kent Police encourage reporting every incident – it helps build cases against persistent offenders.

The county-wide ban demonstrates courts are willing to impose meaningful restrictions. Protection for businesses, yes. But also for honest shoppers who shouldn’t have to put up with this sort of thing.