Westcliff/Hadleigh/Rayleigh: Shoplifter banned from two local BP garages for two years

A Westcliff man has been banned from two BP service stations after Southend Neighbourhood Policing Team secured a court order against him.

Mark Griffiths, 47, of Westminster Drive, targeted garages in Westcliff, Hadleigh and Rayleigh on 38 occasions between 23 February and 23 June 2025.

He was arrested after a public appeal and then identified by police as a named suspect for a series of offences. He continued to offend while on bail and was arrested a second time. His thefts of alcohol and other goods totalled £2,193.63.

Having previously admitted 38 shop thefts, one charge of possession of cocaine and one of failing to attend an assessment after a test for the presence of Class A drugs, Griffiths was made the subject of a two-year criminal behaviour order by Southend magistrates on 30 September 2025.

The order bans him from entering the BP service stations in London Road, Westcliff, and London Road, Hadleigh.

Investigating officer PC Ben Higgs, of Southend Neighbourhood Policing Team, said after the hearing:

“This criminal behaviour order is a vital step in protecting our local businesses and the people who work in them. Griffiths repeatedly targeted local BP service stations, causing significant disruption and financial loss. His actions will have created a sense of unease for staff and customers alike, while also affecting the businesses’ bottom line.
“Banning him from the stores in Westcliff and Hadleigh for two years sends a clear message that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.
“We will continue to work closely with retailers and partners to ensure the conditions of this order are enforced and that our communities feel safe and supported."

Griffiths was also made subject of a community order for 12 months with a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement and six months of drug rehabilitation. He was ordered to pay a total of £350 compensation and an order was also made for the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs.

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