ASBO store ban for shoplifter (From Penarth Times)

ASBO store ban for shoplifter

A PROLIFIC shoplifter has been banned by magistrates from entering Penarth and the town's main supermarkets.

Martin Biggs, aged 30, of Soffa Street, Splott, admitted a string of thefts from shops in Penarth and was given an anti-social behaviour order (ASBO) which prevents him entering Penarth - as well as the Tesco, Spar and Co-op stores in the town.

Biggs was caught on CCTV stealing toiletries from the Spar Shop in Windsor Road on February 20.

Two days later he was seen again stealing eight jars of coffee from the same store.

On March 14, he was caught stealing two bottles of vodka from Tesco in Penarth.

Biggs also admitted stealing a car stereo from the Halfords superstore in Cardiff on January 2 and two counts of driving while disqualified.

Under the ASBO, Biggs must not do or say anything that is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

If he breaches the conditions of the order, Biggs faces five years imprisonment, a 5,000 fine - or both.

Penarth sector inspector Huw Smart said: "This shows the power of ASBOs to tackle anti-social behaviour.

"Shoplifting is not only a criminal offence, it is also anti-social. If you do this in the Vale then you could be banned for life.

"We are currently working with local shops and businesses in Penarth to help them tackle the problems of anti-social behaviour."