Prolific shoplifter banned from Ellesmere Port shops under Criminal Behaviour Order

A shoplifter from Ellesmere Port has been banned from entering several retailers for three years after being handed a Criminal Behaviour Order.

Thomas Steadman appeared at Chester Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 27 January where he was handed the three-year Criminal Behaviour Order.

Under the order, which will run until 2029, Steadman is banned from entering both the Aldi on Grange Road and the ASDA on Wellington Road in Ellesmere Port.

Along with this, Steadman must also not activate any fire alarms or exit in any retail premise via a fire escape unless there is an actual emergency or fire.

Constable Lucy Hawkins and Constable Jenna Tapley, who led the investigation into Steadman's offending, said:

“Shoplifting is not a victimless crime, and we treat any offences that effect our local businesses with the utmost seriousness.

“Over a four-month period, Thomas Steadman targeted two stores across Ellesmere Port on multiple occasions and made no attempt to pay for the items he wanted, before fleeing from the through fire escapes and triggering their alarms.

“Steadman’s choosing to do this not only caused alarm and distress to other customers in the store at the times he chose to strike but would have caused considerable disruption to the working of the retailers themselves.

“Should Steadman fail to comply with the requirements of the Criminal Behaviour imposed upon him, he will be committing a criminal offence and could face a substantial fine or even face a prison sentence.”

Anyone who encounters Thomas Steadman breaching the restrictions of his order is urged to contact Cheshire Police through our website or call 101 to report it.

Pictured - Thomas Steadman.