A man has been banned from entering any Co-op food store across England and Wales following a theft conviction at Bromley Magistrates’ Court.
George Nicholson was convicted of theft on February 13 after a proactive operation led by the Bromley Town Safer Neighbourhoods Team. His arrest and subsequent court appearance resulted in a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) being imposed, restricting his movements for the next three years.
Criminal Behaviour Order Imposed
The CBO prohibits Nicholson from:
- Entering any Co-op food store across England and Wales.
- Accessing Penge High Street, specifically between and including two Tesco branches (74 High Street, Penge, SE20 and 204-212 High Street, Penge, SE20) as well as the Blenheim Centre (140 High Street, Penge, SE20).
- Entering any commercial premises where he has been verbally or in writing banned.
In addition to the CBO, Nicholson received a 12-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay a £26 victim surcharge and £80 in court costs.
Police Statement
A spokesperson from Bromley Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) praised the joint efforts of the Crystal Palace, Penge & Cator, Hayes & Coney Hall, and Bromley Town Safer Neighbourhoods Teams, saying:
“This conviction and Criminal Behaviour Order highlight the importance of proactive policing in tackling theft and protecting local businesses. We are committed to ensuring that offenders who repeatedly target stores face the necessary legal consequences.”
Retail Crime Crackdown
The case forms part of a broader crackdown on retail crime in the area, with local businesses expressing relief over the court’s decision.
A manager at a nearby Co-op branch stated: “We welcome the CBO and hope it sends a strong message to others that shoplifting will not be tolerated.”
If you witness any breaches of this Criminal Behaviour Order or have information about retail theft in your area, contact the Metropolitan Police on 101 or report anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
