Repeat thief banned from Hastings town centre and borough supermarkets
A notorious shoplifter who targeted shops and cars across Hastings and Bexhill has been slapped with a two-year ban from the town centre and dozens of supermarkets.
Criminal Behaviour Order hits Scott Starr after string of thefts
Scott Starr, 41, of no fixed address, was hit with a tough Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 7 October. The order comes after his conviction for stealing from Marks and Spencer in Hastings earlier this year.
The court ruling means Starr could face up to five years behind bars if he breaks the order’s conditions.
Police and businesses unite to tackle local theft spree
The ban was pushed by Hastings and Rother Neighbourhood Policing Team working closely with the Hastings Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP), who gathered evidence of Starr’s repeated offending.
“Shoplifting costs retailers millions every year. Repeat offenders like Scott Starr cause the most damage,” said Sergeant Brett White.
“This court decision sends a clear message: we stand with local businesses and will protect them and their staff from crime.”
BCRP manager John Bownas branded Starr a “one-man crimewave” notorious for stealing from shops and parked cars, often acting violently towards staff who challenged him.
“I’m thrilled the police secured this CBO. Hopefully, it will keep Starr – and others tempted to follow his lead – away from further thefts in Hastings,” Bownas added.
Ban details: Where Starr is barred from and what he’s banned from doing
The order lasts until October 2022 and bans Starr from the entire Hastings town centre except for pre-arranged drug and alcohol counselling sessions.
He is also banned from these specific stores in Hastings and Bexhill, where he has a history of offences:
- Debenhams
- Co-Op (St Leonards and Ore)
- Superdrug
- The Body Shop
- Morrisons
- Sainsbury’s
- Marks & Spencer
- Holland & Barrett
- Edinburgh Woollen Mill
He must also keep out of all other supermarkets in Hastings – including Tesco, ASDA, Aldi, Lidl – except ASDA in Silverhill, where he is allowed between 9am and 5pm only.
To stop him from pilfering cars or using intimidation, the court banned Starr from touching or entering vehicles without permission. He must also avoid any anti-social behaviour that could cause “harassment, alarm, or distress.”
