Shoplifter Banned from Swindon Retail Parks and Co-op Stores
Gareth Fanning, 35, from Walcot, has been slapped with a criminal behaviour order (CBO) banning him from all shops in Greenbridge Retail Park and every Co-op store across Swindon. The ruling came after a hearing on Wednesday, December 2.
Repeat Offender with 79 Convictions
The Swindon South Community Policing Team pushed for the order after revealing Fanning’s shocking record: 79 convictions for 205 offences, most linked to shoplifting. In 2019 alone, he racked up 28 convictions—26 for stealing from shops.
More than 60% of his crimes took place in Swindon town centre, with 27% at Greenbridge Retail Park.
What the Ban Covers
- No entry to any retail shops in Swindon Town Centre (per official map).
- No entry to any retail premises in Greenbridge Retail Park (per official map).
- No entry to any Co-op or Cooperative store anywhere in Swindon borough.
The CBO lasts for two years and will expire on December 1, 2022.
Police and Business Community React
“This is an important order and gives businesses the reassurance that we will act robustly to prevent shoplifting in Swindon,” said PC Paul Bezzant, Swindon town centre neighbourhood officer.
“Fanning is a prolific shoplifter, and his offences are linked to drug abuse. His constant stealing has drained police resources and hurt local shops, many of which never recover their losses. We hope this order will curb his offending.”
Kevin Saunders, inSwindon BID Ambassador Supervisor, added: “We’ve worked closely with Wiltshire Police to gather intelligence and evidence to secure this community behaviour order against a persistent shoplifter.”
“This sends a clear message: inSwindon BID, Wiltshire Police, and town centre businesses will not tolerate this kind of behaviour.”
