A 'PROLIFIC' shoplifter and thief has been handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), banning him from entering retail premises within his home town for five years.

Michael Negri, 60, of Old Market Close in Ross-on-Wye, was given the CBO at Hereford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (October 17).

Negri’s order prohibits him from entering any retail business in the town, which is defined by a specified map, with the following exceptions:

The Co-operative, in Ledbury Road, Ross-on- Wye, to purchase food only;

Cohens Chemist, Pendeen Surgery, Kent Road, to obtain prescription medication only;

The Cancer Research Charity Shop and the Scope Charity Shop, both located on Market Place to purchase clothing and household items only.

Inspector Julie Watson from West Mercia Police's Herefordshire’s Problem Solving Team said: “The impact shoplifting and acquisitive crime has on our local business communities can be detrimental.

“Today’s 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.”

The order was handed down in same week as the force's Safer Business Action Week, which raised awareness of the issues affecting businesses such as shoplifting, burglary and anti-social behaviour (ASB).