Prolific shoplifter banned from retail park for two years

Robbie Crockett, 25, targeted Cleveland Retail Park and stole more than £2,000 of clothing, £1,735 of steak and other meats, high-end fragrances, skincare products, sport jackets, and even four right-foot trainers.

He was arrested by the Greater Eston Neighbourhood Police Team and later charged on August 16 with 25 offences.

Inspector Anthony Ford of the Greater Eston neighbourhood team said: "Our local retailers can be assured that we take this seriously and we take action against those who persistently target stores and businesses.

"We understand the frustration retailers, security staff and indeed the public can feel. Shoplifting is never a victimless crime, and it can cost stores thousands and thousands in lost revenue every year."

Crockett was remanded in custody and appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court the following day.

On Monday, September 7, the court granted a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) banning him from entering Cleveland Retail Park for two years.

He was also sentenced to a nine-month non-residential drug rehabilitation programme, 80 hours of unpaid work, and ordered to pay £500 in compensation.

Insp Ford said: "Under the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee the force has increased town centre patrols - whether highly visible uniformed or plain clothed - and we are seeing more and more persistent officers like Crockett get the message that their behaviour simply won’t be tolerated and that they will be dealt with.

"For offending on this kind of scale, we have to carry out preparatory work behind the scenes. We work with retailers to ensure our data is accurate and up to date so we can allocate the right resources to the right location at the right time - all to maximise our chance of successfully apprehending offenders."

He explained that neighbourhood officers and PCSOs can call on specialist teams for support, and that CBOs can be an effective way to manage repeat offenders.

Insp Ford said: "CBOs can be a very effective means of managing persistent offending and Crockett should be in no doubt that he faces a fine or even being sent to jail if he breaches it.

"I hope the action we’ve taken against an incredibly active shoplifter and the outcome at court this week will reassure our retailers that we are here to support them whenever we’re needed."