A prolific shoplifter has been banned from entering Northallerton town centre after North Yorkshire Police secured a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) against him.
Ben Bennington, 25, of Bridge Road in Stokesley, appeared at York Magistrates’ Court at the end of last month, where he admitted three shoplifting offences committed in Northallerton. He was given a two-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months.
Due to the nature of his offending – and what police described as an “appalling” record for similar crimes – Hambleton Neighbourhood Policing Team applied for a CBO, which was granted by magistrates.
The order, which lasts for two years, prohibits Bennington from entering Northallerton. Police say they will monitor the order closely, and warn that breaching it is a criminal offence.
Inspector Rory Sadler, of Hambleton Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:
“This order will protect retail premises in Northallerton town centre, and those who work in them, from Bennington’s prolific offending.
“Shoplifting is far from a victimless crime. Losses to businesses lead to higher prices for law-abiding shoppers, and the fear of crime makes the jobs of innocent staff more difficult.
“We will continue to use all the tools at our disposal, including court orders, to clamp down on this offending and protect our communities.”
Police are asking members of the public to call 101 if they see Bennington in Northallerton town centre.
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