A man has been jailed for 39 weeks and banned from three Withernsea shops for five years after admitting 23 shop thefts.
Alfie Caller, 21, of no fixed address but formerly of Kirkfield Road, Withernsea, pleaded guilty to the offences at Hull Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, October 14.
The court also imposed a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), prohibiting him from entering or attempting to enter Tesco, Aldi and Heron Foods, all in Queen Street.
Caller must also leave any shop or commercial premises if asked to do so by staff or the owner.
Neighbourhood policing constable James Stothard said: “This Criminal Behaviour Order reflects the ongoing work being carried out to prevent crime and protect local residents. I hope it sends a firm message that committing crime will not be tolerated in our area.
“Shop theft has an impact on the local community and I hope results like this make thieves think twice before committing crime.”
The sentence comes after concerns about repeat shop thefts were discussed at Withernsea Town Council’s meeting two days earlier.
PCSO Amy Eades told councillors that shop thefts were the main issue facing police between Withernsea and Hedon. She said officers were gathering statements and CCTV evidence to bring suspects before the courts, but could not control the sentences imposed.
She said police were getting “hammered” online over repeat offending, despite their efforts to tackle it.
PCSO Eades told the meeting: “I just don’t want it going out there that the police aren’t doing anything. We are on top of it.”
Councillors also heard that police were looking at seeking an order imposing restrictions, including shop bans, to help tackle repeat offending.
PC Stothard urged anyone who witnessed a breach of Caller’s order to report it.
He said: “Anyone breaking a CBO is committing a criminal offence, which can lead to a fine, prison sentence or both. If you see Alfie Caller and witness any behaviour that you believe breaches the conditions of the order please contact us immediately.”
Anyone with concerns about shoplifting or other criminality can call police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
