Shoplifter given jail sentence and barred from entering part of Coventry in ‘business crime crackdown’

A shoplifter has been jailed and banned from entering certain parts of Coventry amidst a “business crime crackdown”.

Jason Howard, a 39-year-old man with no fixed address, has been jailed and barred from a section of Coventry as part of a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

Howard has been banned from entering the same parts of the city in which his crimes were committed

Howard has been banned from entering the same parts of the city in which his crimes were committed, such as Jubilee Crescent in North Coventry.

Howard was behind a spate of crimes, repeatedly targeting stores in Radford.

West Midlands Police reported that: Howard “admitted nine offences of shop theft around Jubilee Crescent between November and early January at Coventry Magistrates Court on Monday (6 January).”

Howard will serve a sentence of three months in jail and has been issued with a CBO.

West Midlands Police decided to further punish Howard by banning him from being in the proximity of Jubilee Crescent to protect businesses in Radford from shoplifters.

The officers from the Radford Neighbourhood Team and Local Offending Management Unit enabled the banning order to be passed in order to protect businesses in Radford on a long-term basis.

The order also requires Howard to see support services following his release

– West Midlands Police

West Midlands Police also detailed the terms of Howard’s release, stating: “If he was to breach the order he faces being arrested and spending more time behind bars.

“However, the order also requires Howard to see support services following his release to reduce the risk of reoffending.”

CBOs are a “punishment for anti-social behaviour”. They can carry a prison sentence if breached by offenders.

A CBO increases the ability of West Midlands Police to make arrests for anti-social behaviour. This is hoped to help tackle business crime.

The statement issued by West Midlands Police reassured the public: “We know how frustrating shoplifting is for business owners, and the wider community, and we’ll always look to identify and arrest suspects.”