A 60-YEAR-old Ross-on-Wye man with a history of shoplifting and theft has been handed a Criminal Behaviour Order banning him from entering retail premises within the town.

Michael Negri, 60, of Old Market Close was given the order by Hereford magistrates, and will last for five years. It prohibits him from entering any retail business in the town, with three exceptions.

The justices heard that among his recent offending Negri pleaded guilty to stealing a pair of De-Walt shorts, to the value of £35 belonging to the Screwfix store on June 29 this year.

The court also heard that being an individual to whom a community protection notice had been issued, Negri failed to comply with the notice by entering the store.

Inspector Julie Watson from Herefordshire’s problem-solving team said: “The impact shoplifting and acquisitive crime has on our local business communities can be detrimental.

“This result shows we will always pursue criminals and be persistent in our approach to managing and preventing any future offending. 

“Anyone who sees Negri entering premises he shouldn’t be or committing an offence should report it to us at Report a crime | West Mercia Police.”

Negri can enter the Co-operative store in Ledbury Road, to purchase food only; Cohens Chemist, Pendeen Surgery, Kent Road, to obtain prescription medication only and the Cancer Research and the Scope charity shops, both located on Market Place to purchase clothing and household items only.