Persistent Thatcham shoplifter issued with ASBO
The order means that Adrian Lewis is banned for two years from all retail establishments in Hungerford
A PERSISTENT thief from Thatcham has been issued with an anti-social behaviour order (ASBO) by Reading Magistrates' Court.
Adrian Lewis, aged 46, of Rotary Way, was convicted on December 20 after pleading guilty to two thefts in Hungerford.
The thefts took place on November 14 at Boots and Inklings, both in Hungerford.
The court heard how Mr Lewis regularly travelled to Hungerford and stole from shops in the area.
He has since been sentenced to a community order of 15 months and issued with an ASBO, banning him from all retail establishments in Hungerford or entering Wyevale Garden Centre or Cobbs Farm Shop.
The order is valid for two years, until January 23, 2014.
If Mr Lewis breaks the terms of the ASBO, he could face a fine and up to five years in prison.
Pc Peter Duffy, anti-social behaviour officer for West Berkshire local police area, said: “I am pleased with the ASBO granted by the court, which is as a result of Lewis's persistent shoplifting.
“A lot of the stores he targets are small, independent retailers who suffer the loss of retail theft heavily.
“The terms of the ASBO means he is no longer able to visit their stores, and if he breaks the terms of the ASBO, he could face a fine and up to five years imprisonment.”