A shoplifter in Whitstable has been jailed for breaching an order designed to protect businesses in the town. The 12-month notice was in response to repeated reports of Gerard McGuiness committing anti-social behaviour in the area.

Kent Police issued McGuiness with a Community Protection Notice (CPN) on 26 January 2024, prohibiting him from entering the town centre or from causing a nuisance in public but despite the notice, he stole alcohol and food from a supermarket in Cromwell Road on the 27 January and 3 February.

The 30-year-old, of no fixed address, was arrested on the 3 February and later charged with four counts of theft and two counts of breaching the CPN. He admitted all six offences at Thanet Magistrates’ Court on 5 February and was jailed for 150 days.

Inspector Paul Barrell, of Canterbury’s Victim Based Crime Team, said:

‘We obtain CPNs of this kind to protect local businesses and their staff from the repeated nuisance and financial loss caused by shoplifters like McGuiness.

‘Breaching the notices is a criminal offence and McGuiness’s disregard for our warnings has now led to further charges and this prison sentence. I hope the case sends out a message to others that the consequences of such actions will catch up with them.’

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