A man in Newport, Kirk Edwards, has been banned from entering all Tesco, Aldi, and Sainsbury’s stores due to his involvement in multiple theft incidents. Edwards, aged 27, was convicted of 13 counts of theft from six retailers in Newport and Cwmbrant between October 2023 and April this year. Gwent Police issued a three-year criminal behaviour order (CBO) against him, prohibiting his entry into the mentioned stores. Additionally, he is restricted from entering Boots and Evapor shops on Commercial Street in Newport and two businesses in Cwmbran – the Shell garage on Henllys Way and Sainsbury’s petrol station on Llewelyn Road.
The CBO was granted to Edwards at Newport Magistrates’ Court on August 14 and will remain in effect until August 14, 2027. Officer Claire Drayton, from the Newport neighbourhood policing team, emphasised the impact of shoplifting on communities and businesses. She stated that the order aims to curb Edwards’ criminal behaviour and provide him with support to change his ways. The conditions of the CBO strictly outline the locations Edwards is prohibited from entering and state the consequences of breaching the order, which could lead to arrest, fines, imprisonment, or both.
Sergeant Lee Smith-Stephens, from the retail crime team, highlighted the efforts to enhance safety in the area and address shoplifting incidents. Gwent Police encourages the public to report any sightings of Edwards violating the CBO through their website, by calling 101, or via direct message on social media. The enforcement of the order is part of ongoing initiatives to combat shoplifting and create a secure environment for the community. Police continue to urge individuals affected by shoplifting to report incidents promptly to facilitate targeted actions against offenders like Edwards.