Shoplifter banned from town stores in Skegness after series of crimes
A serial shoplifter has been banned from all bar two town retailers to ‘protect the community’.
A Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) has been issued against Christopher Gras, 34, of Alexandra Road, Skegness following a series of shop thefts.
He is forbidden from entering any retail premises in Skegness except Aldi on Burgh Road and Boots on Lumley Road and was ordered to pay compensation of nearly £500 after a hearing at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (January 9).
The CBO covered eight incidents which took place between the end of November into the new year:
*November 24 - theft of an Under Armour tracksuit to the value of £50 from The Factory Shop.
*November 28 2024 – theft of a Jean Paul Gautier fragrance gift set to the value of £60 from Superdrug.
*November 29 – theft of gift sets to the value of £159 each from Superdrug.
*December 10 – theft two Trespass coats to the value of £90 from The Factory Shop.
*December 11 – theft of two turkeys to the value of £170 from Marks & Spencer.
*January 1 – theft of Match Attacks to the value of £89.94 from The Cooperative Store on Roman Road.
*January 3 – theft of electrical goods and joints of meat to the value of £80-£100.
*January 5 – theft of chocolate bars to the value of £18 from The Cooperative Store on Roman Bank.
CBOs are put in place to stop people convicted of criminal offices from causing further harm to others — and place restrictions on their movements and actions.
PC Jess Harvey, who worked to secure the CBO for Gras, said: “We take instances of shop theft very seriously. It not only impacts the wellbeing of the store employees and members of the public witnessing these instances, often causing alarm and distress, it has an impact on the bottom line of businesses.
“This results in increased costs to cover these incidents, which we all pay for in the end. With the support of our local partners, shop owners and staff, we are resolute in our mission to make our community feel protected and safe, making Skegness and Lincolnshire the safest place to work, live and visit.”