A 57-year-old man has been banned from entering numerous retail stores across the United Kingdom following a series of thefts. Christopher Moran, who has no fixed address, pleaded guilty to ten counts of theft at the Preston Magistrates Court on November 27, 2023. He received a sentence of 12 weeks in custody, which will run concurrently with a 52-week sentence already being served for other offenses.
Moran’s restrictions include a ban from all Tesco, Co-op, Sainsbury’s, B&M, TK Maxx, Iceland, Booths, and Trespass stores throughout the country. Additionally, he has been issued a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), which aims to prevent him from engaging in further criminal activity.
The court heard that Moran had been involved in a spree of thefts primarily in the South Ribble and Preston areas. His criminal behaviour has drawn significant attention from local law enforcement. A spokesman for Lancashire Police stated, “CBOs are used to target individuals who are repeat demand generators and have been identified as often engaging in criminality in a specified area.”
Under the conditions of the CBO, Moran is not only prohibited from entering designated stores but also from accessing areas like Preston Marina, Navigation Way, and the entire Penwortham exclusion zone. Furthermore, he is required to leave any retail establishment immediately if requested by an employee and must return any items he has selected before leaving.
In a statement posted on Facebook, South Ribble Police highlighted Moran’s extensive history as a shoplifter, emphasizing the sustained nature of his criminal activities. “Yesterday, at Preston Magistrates Court, he pleaded guilty to ten counts of theft and was sentenced to 12 weeks imprisonment and issued with a Criminal Behaviour Order for five years,” they reported.
This case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by retailers in managing theft and its impact on business operations. As authorities continue to implement measures like CBOs to combat repeat offenders, the situation remains a focal point for law enforcement and retail businesses alike.
