COVENTRY – Police in Coventry have jailed a repeat offender, Wes Bickley, for four months after he was caught shoplifting from the Warwickshire Retail Park, breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) that banned him from the area.
The 41-year-old was identified through CCTV footage, which showed him entering stores and stuffing a backpack with items before leaving without paying. Officers arrested Bickley and charged him with theft, leading to his conviction on 13 February at Coventry Magistrates Court.
This is the latest in a string of successful prosecutions as authorities continue cracking down on retail crime in Coventry. Police highlighted how CBOs help tackle repeat offenders by enabling early intervention and immediate arrests when individuals breach the terms.
“By using Criminal Behaviour Orders, our officers can intervene earlier and arrest people known to be causing crime and anti-social behaviour,” a police spokesperson said.
Coventry police confirmed they are maintaining regular patrols, both uniformed and undercover, to deter retail theft and respond swiftly to reports. Businesses and the public are urged to report all incidents so police can take appropriate action.
“We know how frustrating shop theft is for business owners and the wider community, and we’ll always look to identify and arrest suspects.”
Authorities say they will continue pushing for custodial sentences for those who repeatedly harm local businesses and communities.
