Tom Cole, a 25-year-old from Pershore, Worcestershire, spent Christmas in prison after being sentenced to 26 weeks for ‘prolific’ shoplifting. His behavior towards shop staff and the public was described as antisocial, disorderly, and at times threatening. Following his release, Cole will be under a criminal behaviour order (CBO) from Worcester Magistrates' Court, prohibiting him from entering Tesco on High Street, Asda on King George’s Way, and The Factory Shop. Additionally, he is not allowed to contact a specific shop worker and must comply with requests to leave premises or areas within them.
PC Amy Hunt of Pershore Safer Neighbourhood Team stated, “The officer in charge and colleagues at Pershore SNT have worked hard with other police colleagues to get this CBO in place. We hope it sends a message that we are taking positive action against prolific shoplifters and are working hard to make Pershore a safer place.”