Aldershot shoplifter, 41, given Criminal Behaviour Order

A prolific shoplifter from Aldershot has been banned from entering every Sainsbury’s or Waitrose store in the country after being given a Criminal Behaviour Order.

Richard Burns, 41, of Grosvenor Road, Aldershot, was handed the two-year CBO at Basingstoke Magistrates Court on Thursday 25 January.

Officers from the Northern Integrated Offender Management Team put together the application for the CBO which detailed Burns’ previous shoplifting offences.

He has now been banned from remaining in any shop or commercial premises if asked to leave by staff.

Burns is not permitted to enter any premises which has previously banned him from visiting, including all Waitrose and Sainsbury’s stores within England and Wales.

He also can’t enter certain stores in Aldershot, including Tesco and Bargain Buys.

It comes after he was jailed for six weeks at Basingstoke Magistrates Court on Friday 12 January after pleading guilty to shoplifting in Aldershot.

Officers received a report that alcohol had been stolen from the Tesco store on Wellington Avenue on Monday 8 January.

Meanwhile, officers received a separate report that a man in his 30s was threatened at the same store the following day (9 January).

Burns pleaded guilty to theft from a shop and using threatening / abusive / insulting words / behaviour to cause harassment / alarm /distress.

CBOs, which have replaced ASBOs, are imposed by a court and can restrict where you go, who you associate with, and what activities you are allowed to take part in.

Breaching the order is a criminal offence, which can lead to a prison sentence.

Hart and Rushmoor Inspector Helen Wentworth said: “Richard Burns is a prolific shoplifter in the Aldershot area.

“His behaviour has impacted our local businesses, shop workers and the wider community.

“I’m pleased to say that our officers have been proactive in working with retailers to bring shoplifters to justice and in this case, successfully apply for a Criminal Behaviour Order.

“We will continue to look at all options available to us to relentlessly pursue those who offend in this way.”