Man banned from shops and retail park in UK city for 5 years | UK | News
A prolific shoplifter has been jailed for more than 10 months and banned from shops in Exeter city center for five years over a long history of theft and anti-social behaviour. Luke Bament, 24, was jailed on June 24 after admitting attempting to use a stolen bank card in Exeter on April 23. He also pleaded guilty to nine counts of theft and one count of obstructing or resisting a police officer in the execution of his duty.
Bament was given a 44-week prison sentence and a Criminal Behavior Order (CBO) was made, which will remain in force until June 2031. The order places sweeping restrictions on his movements across Exeter, preventing him from taking any job that participates in the Exeter Business Against Crime scheme. They are also banned from many of the city’s busiest shopping areas, including Sidwell Street, Fore Street, South Street, Guildhall Shopping Centre, Princesshay Shopping Centre, Cowick Street and Exe Bridges Retail Park.
In addition to the location bans, Bament is prohibited from sitting or loitering outside of businesses within Exeter’s Public Realm Protection Order area.
The CBO also prohibits anyone from entering any private land or building from which he or she has been formally banned in writing, even if it is normally open to the public.
The order also prevents Bament from consuming alcohol in any public place.
Police say the measures are designed to protect retailers, shoppers and the wider community from repeat offenders whose actions leave a lasting impact on Exeter city centre.
Neighborhood Beat Manager PC Sophie Holt described Bament as a familiar figure to officers and retail workers alike.
“Criminal Conduct Orders are a powerful tool to help us keep our community safe,” he said.
“Luke Bament has been a persistent offender in Exeter city center for a number of years. He has been abusive towards retail staff and his repeat offending and involvement in anti-social behavior has had a significant impact on the community and police resources.”
He added that the order demonstrated the force’s determination to combat shoplifting and protect retail workers from exploitation.
“I hope this action reassures people living in Exeter that we take all reports of antisocial behavior and shoplifting seriously and that abusive behavior towards retail workers will not be tolerated. “I would urge anyone who sees anything that makes them feel unsafe to report it to us.
“We will continue to work with the community and partner organizations to ensure Bament complies with the conditions set out in the Criminal Conduct Order upon his release from prison.”
