A PERSISTENT Yate shoplifter has been given a three-year legal ban from stores he has repeatedly targeted.
Colt Valentine, aged 32, of Dowsell Way, was given the three-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) on July 14 after admitting thefts from shops in both Yate and Chipping Sodbury.
He admitted five counts of thefts from shops in a two-week period between May and June, taking meat, fish, cleaning products and alcohol with a total value of £264.
Avon & Somerset police say he had ignored previous bans imposed by five shops in the area, and failed to abide by an ‘acceptable behaviour contract’ he signed the previous month.
‘Threatened and intimidated’
A spokesperson said: “Shop workers said they felt threatened and intimidated by him and it affected them personally, as well having an impact on customers and a financial toll on the businesses.”
The court also sentenced Valentine to community order, committing him to a year of treatment, rehabilitation and programmes to tackle offending.
The CBO bans Valentine from entering any shop or business he has been banned from and say he can only put items into in-store shopping baskets or trolleys.
If he breaches the conditions, he could face a jail sentence.
‘Repeated distress’ for shop staff
Neighbourhood Sergeant Matthew Quick said: “This order will help us to protect staff and businesses who’ve faced repeated distress.
“We’re grateful for the support of shop staff who have supported these prosecutions with clear evidence.
“By working together in this way we can send a message that persistent offending won’t be tolerated.”