Repeat thief Scott Starr banned from Hastings town centre and local supermarkets
A notorious local shoplifter and car thief has been slapped with a tough Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) banning him from Hastings town centre and multiple supermarkets across the borough.
Two-year ban after Marks & Spencer theft
Scott Starr, 41, a homeless man with no fixed address, was hit with the order at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 7 October. This came after he was convicted of stealing from Marks & Spencer in Hastings back in February.
The CBO lasts two years, and breaking it could land Starr with up to five years behind bars.
Police and business team unite to tackle crimewave
The order was pushed through by Hastings and Rother Neighbourhood Policing Team officers, teaming up with the Hastings Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) to crack down on Starr’s persistent offending.
Sergeant Brett White said: “Shoplifting costs retailers millions every year, and repeat offenders like Scott Starr cause the most damage. This court decision sends a strong message: we are backing our businesses and staff against crime.”
‘One-man crimewave’ notorious for theft and threats
John Bownas, manager of the BCRP, summed it up: “Scott Starr is responsible for countless shop and car thefts. His violent and threatening behaviour towards shop staff has made him notorious in Hastings.”
He added: “I’m thrilled the police secured this CBO. Hopefully, it will deter Starr and others from causing more trouble in the town.”
Strict conditions lock him out of town and shops
The ban, running until October 2026, prohibits Starr from Hastings town centre except for pre-arranged drug and alcohol counselling sessions.
He’s specifically barred from numerous local stores where he’s attacked before, including:
- Debenhams
- Co-Op (St Leonards and Ore)
- Superdrug
- The Body Shop
- Morrisons
- Sainsbury’s
- Marks & Spencer
- Holland & Barrett
- Edinburgh Woollen Mill
Starr must also avoid all other Hastings supermarkets such as Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, and more, except for ASDA in Silverhill during 9am to 5pm.
To stop vehicle-related thefts and intimidation, the order bans him from touching or entering any car without permission and acting in any way that causes harassment, alarm or distress.
