Prolific shoplifter who repeatedly targeted stores in Radford has been jailed, as part of ongoing efforts to tackle retail crime across the city.
Jason Howard, aged 39 and of no fixed address, was sentenced to three months in prison after admitting to nine shop theft offences in the Jubilee Crescent area between November and early January. The sentence was handed down at Coventry Magistrates Court on Monday, 6 January.
Protecting Businesses and the Community
To prevent further harm to local businesses and the community, the Radford Neighbourhood Team and Local Offending Management Unit successfully applied for a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) against Howard.
The CBO:
- Bans Howard from entering the area around Jubilee Crescent after his release.
- Mandates support services, helping address underlying issues and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
- Enables immediate arrest if Howard breaches its conditions, potentially resulting in more jail time.
The Impact of Retail Crime
Retail crime has a profound and damaging effect on businesses, staff, individuals, and the wider community:
- Business owners face financial losses and increased security costs.
- Retail staff often feel unsafe, leading to stress and reduced morale.
- The community suffers, with rising prices and a decline in local business viability.
- Individuals, especially repeat offenders like Howard, can become trapped in cycles of crime without adequate support and intervention.
Inspector Jane Doe from the Radford Neighbourhood Team said:
“We understand how frustrating shoplifting is for business owners and how deeply it impacts the local community. Our team works tirelessly to identify and arrest offenders, but we also aim to provide long-term solutions, such as applying for Criminal Behaviour Orders.
“This CBO gives us greater powers to protect businesses and ensure offenders face consequences if they breach the conditions. At the same time, we are focused on helping individuals access support services to address the root causes of their behaviour.”
Commitment to Tackling Business Crime
West Midlands Police remains committed to tackling retail crime and protecting local communities. By working closely with businesses, support services, and the courts, we aim to reduce offending and its negative impact on everyone involved.
If you witness a crime or have information about shoplifting in your area, please call 101 or report it anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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