Thief Banned from Whitstable Shops Until 2024
Gareth Owen, 39, has been slapped with a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) banning him from several local shops. The order was handed down at Margate Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 25 October 2021.
Owen must steer clear of Sainsbury’s stores on Reeves Way and High Street in Whitstable. He’s also barred from Co-Operative Food stores on Cromwell Road, Whitstable, and Sea Street, Herne Bay. This ban lasts until 24 October 2024.
Serial Shoplifter Caught Red-Handed
Kent Police pushed for the CBO after Owen admitted stealing alcohol and cleaning products from the Co-Op in Herne Bay on 12 March 2021. This was during a suspended sentence he received in December 2020 for previous theft offences.
Owen, of Station Road, Whitstable, was jailed for 13 months on 3 September 2021 for these thefts and breaching his suspended sentence.
Don’t Cross the Line or Face More Jail Time
Breaking the new CBO is a criminal offence and could land Owen back behind bars.
PC Chris Green from Canterbury Community Safety Unit said: “Kent Police is determined to protect businesses from repeat offenders like Owen. I am pleased the court recognised the necessity of this order. I hope Owen now works on improving his behaviour and staying out of trouble.”
