Shoplifters handed restraining orders to protect Wrexham shop workers

 

Prolific Wrexham shoplifters have been handed restraining orders to protect shop workers from fear of violence.

The two cases brought before the court this week are understood to be the first orders of their kind to be issued in Wales.

The sentencings relate to Operation Blizzard, launched in Wrexham city to crack down on retail crime and support retailers targeted by thieves in the run up to Christmas.

Barry Roberts, of no fixed abode, but of the Wrexham area, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday, December 3rd where he admitted two charges of shoplifting.

The 49-year-old, who repeatedly targeted the Co-op on Poplars Road, Wrexham, stole a bottle of wine from the store on October 28th, before returning the following day to steal another.

Staff reported feeling harassed and feared violence each time Roberts visited the store.

The court handed Roberts a five-year restraining order not to approach staff at the store in order to protect them from him.

He was also banned from all Co-op stores for the same period, must undergo 20 days of rehabilitation activity as part of a community order and repay the store the value of the stolen items.

On Wednesday, December 4th, Carly Griffiths, of Pont Wen, Caia Park, appeared before Wrexham Magistrates' Court where she was jailed for six weeks and issued with an indefinite restraining order not to enter Co-op on Prince Charles Road, Wrexham and Boots, Rhyl.

The 35-year-old stole £90 worth of deodorant from a Boots on June 6th, before taking £30 worth of items from the Co-op on September 6th, where she also assaulted a staff member who challenged her.

Sergeant Sarah Hughes-Jones, who launched Operation Blizzard, said: “I welcome the use of these restraining orders which are a fantastic result for the staff at these stores who have been repeatedly targeted by shoplifting incidents.

“Protecting staff, businesses and their customers from this type of criminality, which has created a significant impact on their wellbeing and business, is a priority in Wrexham city. Staff should also not have to go to work in fear of being subjected to abuse or threatening behaviour.

“Whilst robust action is taken against those who shoplift, we always look to take a proactive approach initially to signposting and supporting those struggling with alcohol or substance misuse to try and disrupt or negate repeat offending.”

Superintendent Jon Bowcott, North Wales Police lead for retail theft, said: “The use of restraining orders in this way demonstrates our commitment as a force to combatting retail theft.

“This year we have seen increased convictions for shoplifting and reduced offending which is a credit to the hard-working officers and staff across North Wales.

“Wrexham is one of our biggest retail centres and we have seen a 10% reduction in offences recorded and a 5% increase in offenders being prosecuted.

“Retail theft is not a ‘victimless crime’ and has a genuine impact on the businesses and staff affected by it. We will continue to work hard to bring offenders such as Griffiths and Roberts to protect those working in the retail sector.”

 

More on Operation Blizzard here: Operation to crack down on shoplifting in Wrexham launched in run up to Christmas | North Wales Police