Brentwood: Repeat shoplifter banned from store

A frequent shoplifter has been banned from a Brentwood Co-op and ordered to pay compensation after an investigation into five theft offences.

Officers with Brentwood Local Policing Team secured charges against 43-year-old Geoff Hayward, of North Hill Drive, Romford.

This followed thefts from the Co-op stores in Shenfield and Pilgrims Hatch in October last year and February this year.

On each occasion Hayward was seen on CCTV to take items, including meat and cleaning products, from the stores without paying.

On the final occasion, on Tuesday 20 February, officers arrested Hayward after he was detained at the store.

He refused to answer any questions in interview, but due to the strong evidence against him was charged with five counts of theft – counts he admitted in court.

Appearing at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 27 February, he was sentenced to a community order, with a prohibited activity requirement attached not to enter a Brentwood Co-op for six months.

He was further ordered to pay £382 in compensation.

'We're here to support shops and businesses'

Officer in the case, PC Maisey Ringshall, of Brentwood Local Policing Team, said:

“It is vital shops and business in Brentwood know we work to support them and keep them safe from offenders like Hayward.
“Shop theft is never a victimless or minor crime, it has a profound impact upon staff who shouldn’t have to deal with such offending while going about their jobs.
“Where we see repeat offending taking place, we will act to put shoplifters before the courts.
“Such orders as the one imposed on Hayward mean, should further offending occur, he will very swiftly be arrested and could face imprisonment.”

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