A prolific shoplifter has been banned from Canterbury city centre and several retail stores across east Kent after being made subject to a four-year Criminal Behaviour Order.

Ali Mirzai, 31, previously pleaded guilty to offences linked to 22 reports of theft from businesses in Ashford, Canterbury and Dover between June 2025 and May 2026.

Police said retailers targeted included Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Aldi, Boots, B&M and New Look.

Goods stolen during the offences included alcohol, trainers, a hand-held vacuum cleaner and a laser hair removal device.

Mirzai was charged following thefts of whisky and wine from supermarkets in Canterbury on May 3, 2026. He also admitted stealing rum from Marks & Spencer in Dover.

He was sentenced at Medway Magistrates’ Court on October 1 to 28 days in prison and was subsequently made subject to the CBO.

Four-year ban from shops and city centre

The order came into effect on October 6 and prohibits Mirzai from entering Canterbury city centre.

He is also banned from a number of named stores, including Waitrose, Aldi, Morrisons and B&M in Canterbury.

In Ashford, he is prohibited from entering B&M and New Look, as well as Tesco in Willesborough.

In Dover, the order prevents him from entering B&M, Marks & Spencer and Peacocks.

Mirzai must also refrain from antisocial behaviour and from encouraging or inciting others to behave antisocially.

Breaching the Criminal Behaviour Order is a criminal offence and could result in him being brought back before the courts and potentially sent to prison again.

PC Chris Green said the behaviour of persistent shoplifters can have a significant impact on businesses, staff and local communities.

He said the order provided police with an additional tool to prevent further offending and protect those affected by retail crime and antisocial behaviour.

“We will continue to work closely with retailers to target those responsible for repeat offending and bring them before the courts,” he added.