Shoplifter jailed and banned from stores

A persistent shoplifter who went on a twoweek thieving spree has been locked up and banned from entering or loitering near shops.

Neighbourhood policing teams in The Meadows and West Bridgford worked together and successfully applied for a criminal behaviour order against 25-year-old Daniel Higginson - to allow swift and robust action if he repeats his criminal behaviour.

Safer Streets wardens, provided thanks to Safer Streets funding secured by Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry, as part of a partnership with Nottinghamshire Police and Rushcliffe Borough Council, also helped gather evidence used in the investigation.

The terms of the order mean Higginson, of no fixed address, is banned from entering or loitering near the Co-op stores in the Bridgeway Centre, The Meadows, in Bridgford Road, West Bridgford, and the Sainsbury’s Local store in Melton Road, West Bridgford, for three years.

The order also prohibits him from loitering by any cash machine or car park ticket machines in West Bridgford and from sitting or otherwise placing himself in a position to beg or ask for charitable donations of cash, food, or other articles in a public place in West Bridgford town centre.

The order was imposed after Higginson committed seven thefts, including stealing meat and cleaning products, from the Co-op in the Bridgeway Centre, The Meadows, between 13 January 2023 and 20 January 2023, and stole bottles of spirits from the Co-op in Bridgford Road, West Bridgford, on 27 and 28 January 2023.

Higginson was subsequently arrested and charged and went on to plead guilty to nine counts of theft.

He was jailed for eight months and made subject of the criminal behaviour order when he appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (2 February 2023).

Inspector Karl Thomas, district commander for Nottingham South, which includes The Meadows, said: “Higginson is a prolific criminal whose persistent offending has had a hugely detrimental impact on local businesses and their employees who simply should not have to put up with his appalling behaviour.

“I’m pleased that following excellent joint work, which involved our two neighbour- hood policing teams, the Co-op, our business crime officers, Safer Streets wardens and the Crown Prosecution Service, we were able to obtain this criminal behaviour order which will protect our communities from further harm at Higginson’s hands.”

Inspector Rob Lawton, neighbourhood policing inspector for Rushcliffe, which includes West Bridgford, added: "We know shoplifting and antisocial behaviour has a significant impact on areas causing distress to local businesses, residents and visitors.

“I would like to thank everyone, including our partners, for their dedication and support. We will not hesitate to take positive and robust action against those who carry on offending.

“Successfully obtaining this order sends a clear message people cannot get away with this type of behaviour and we hope this also reassures our wider communities that we will use all powers available to us to crack down on offenders and protect residents and businesses from harm.”

Rushcliffe Borough Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for environment and safety councillor Rob Inglis said: “It’s testament to the work of the wardens secured as part