A REPEAT shoplifter who stole £1,500 of goods during 11 theft offences in Billericay has been banned from BP petrol stations in Essex for two years.

John Hanson, 58, of Tunmarsh Lane, London E13, was sentenced to six months and handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) at Basildon Magistrates’ Court.

He pleaded guilty to 11 theft offences between January and March 2023,

These were from BP garages in Billericay, in which he stole almost £1,500 of goods.

The CBO means Hanson could face a further prison sentence if he enters any of the company’s garages in Essex.

 He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £154.

Police Constable Alex Plakhtienko, an officer in Essex Police’s Business Crime Team, said: “This is a fantastic result.

 “Hanson’s CBO was only possible thanks to hard work building the case by our team for the Crown Prosecution Service.

 “Shoplifting is not a victimless crime. Offenders’ behaviour can affect staff and customers in the shops they target. 

 “We have a duty to protect all victims of crime from repeat offenders.

“And one way we can do this is by applying to the courts for criminal behaviour orders which are designed to prevent their re-offending and future impact on retail staff.”

Essex Police’s Business Crime Team specialises in supporting businesses, and working to build relationships with independent shops and retail chains, explaining how they can report crime to Essex Police.