Shoplifting crackdown in Coventry brings warning of prosecution

West Midlands Police have officially started to implement Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) upon shoplifters in Coventry, with the aim of “keeping up the pressure”.

For Safer Business Action Week, police in Coventry and the West Midlands have stated that they are taking “decisive action” to better protect businesses in the area from shoplifting.

The threat of imprisonment has been made into a reality for offenders 

As a part of the crackdown, the threat of imprisonment has been made into a reality for offenders. This comes through the enforcement of Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs).

CBOs have so far been used successfully upon repeat offenders in the area. They set out rules that offenders must follow with the aim to prevent further offending.

One such offender is 34-year-old Luke Campbell. He has been jailed for six months after being caught using stolen credit cards to go on an “ill-advised spending spree”. 

Campbell had previously been granted a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order in May 2024 after taking part in multiple thefts. This saw him banned from the Hillfields area.

Since then, he was arrested once more in September. Campbell is now facing the consequences in the form of six-months in prison. 

Campbell pleaded guilty at Coventry Magistrates Court to “fraud, breaching a CBO and burglary” on 30 September, police reports state.

Securing a conviction was much easier with the CBO in place, prohibiting Campbell from entering “any retail or business premises in Coventry city centre.” 

At least for repeat offenders, these orders seem to be a more effective means of cracking down on theft

At least for repeat offenders, these orders seem to be a more effective means of cracking down on theft in the West Midlands Area. 

West Midlands Police stated: “These orders help us protect businesses and prevent ongoing anti-social behaviour and have already secured some excellent results.”

Coventry Local Policing Area (LPA) officers aim to work with Coventry City Council and Coventry Business Improvement District (BID) to increase awareness of business crime in recognition of Safer Business Action Week. 

They also hope to share their knowledge of repeat offenders with retailers to best counteract their unlawful efforts.

Chief Inspector Amos, Coventry Police, stated that they “are committed to working with our partners, including Coventry City Council and Coventry BID, to make our city a safe and successful place to do business”.