[A] shoplifter whose behaviour has made him a menace to businesses in Workington and beyond has been jailed and made subject of a Criminal Behaviour Order.
Mark Whitehead, 31, of Senhouse Street, Workington, is the fourth offender to be given a Criminal Behaviour Order in West Cumbria in the past month as steps are taken to protect businesses from repeat offenders.
Whitehead appeared at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court yesterday (12 October, 2017) and was jailed for 147 days for assault by beating and shop theft offences.
He was also made subject of a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order banning him from:
- Entering any property which is a member of Workington Shop Watch scheme
- Entering any property which is a member of Maryport Shop Watch scheme
- Entering Workington town centre
- Entering Simply Food and Drink in Workington
- Entering Wine Cellar, Moorclose, Workington
- Entering Grisedale Store, Senhouse Street, Workington
- Entering The Corner Shop, Fisher Street, Workington
- Entering McColls, Fisher Street, Workington
If Whitehead breaches the conditions of the order the punishment could be a jail term of up to five years.
The Criminal Behaviour Order against Whitehead follows similar orders having been secured against James Thompson, 37, of Station Inn, Maryport and Joseph Langcake, 24, of Headlands Close Workington.
A three-year Criminal Behaviour Order was also secured against Gemma Rice, 26, of Headlands Close, Workington. The order was put in place after she was convicted of a robbery offence at One Stop Shop in Seaton, three theft by shoplifting offences at One Stop Shop in Seaton and shoplifting at Poundstretcher in Annie Pit Lane, Workington.
The terms prevent Rice from entering any premises which is a member of Workington or Cockermouth Shop Watch, One Stop Shop in Seaton, Home Bargains in Whitehaven or B&M and Matalan in Workington.
Sergeant Lorraine Murphy said: “Criminal Behaviour Orders are an extremely useful tool against prolific, repeat offenders. The punishment for breaching the order is spelled out in court and those made subject have a decision to make – abide by the terms and stop offending or risk a lengthy prison term.
“We’re fortunate to have received excellent support from the Crown Prosecution Service in securing these Criminal Behaviour Orders which should give businesses in Workington and Maryport some respite from these serial offenders.
“The lead up to Christmas often sees a rise in shoplifting offences. We will continue to work with local businesses to target those who commit such offences and, where appropriate, we will seek further Criminal Behaviour Orders.
“The public are vital when it comes to making sure the terms of Criminal Behaviour Orders are adhered to. I would urge any business or individual who sees the terms of the order being breached to make contact with the police.”
