Thanet’s nightmare thief and troublemaker hit with jail and strict ban
Reece Baker, 31, a no fixed address troublemaker, has finally been locked up and slapped with a tough Criminal Behaviour Order after wreaking havoc in Thanet town centre.
Jailed for theft and assaults
Kent Police’s Anti-social Behaviour Team teamed up with the Thanet Community Safety Unit to crack down on Baker, who had been causing chaos with nuisance behaviour. On 8 August, the troublemaker was sentenced to 120 days in jail at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court after confessing to theft and two assaults.
Two-year ban bans booze and loitering
Back in court on 17 August, Baker was handed a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order. It bans him from drinking alcohol or carrying open containers in public anywhere in the district. He is forbidden from sitting on the ground outside shops during opening hours or blocking entrances. Plus, he cannot enter any communal staircases without a valid reason outlined in the court order.
The crimes that caught him out
- Theft: On 11 April, Baker repeatedly stole milk and bread straight from a delivery outside a shop on Margate High Street.
- Assault: On 10 May, after being banned from a store, he forced his way into another shop and attacked two people who tried to stop him, including a security guard.
He was arrested shortly after fleeing the scene.
Police issue stern warning
Sergeant Daniel Bartlett from the ASB team warned: “Anyone causing this kind of nuisance to shop staff in Thanet can expect swift action. People should run their businesses without constant disruption from thieves like Baker.”
He added police will work closely with local officers, businesses, and residents to stamp out crime and anti-social behaviour in the area. Victims are urged to report any such incidents to keep Thanet safe.
