news-02122024-153552

Banned Prolific Shoplifter Breaches Order in East London

In a startling turn of events, a prolific shoplifter found himself behind bars after breaching his behaviour order in Dagenham, East London.

Incident Details

Local officers were quick to respond to reports of the incident unfolding in Heathway on November 28. Keith Sears, a 45-year-old resident of Beambridge Place, Basildon, was apprehended at the scene. Confirming his breach of the Criminal Behaviour Order, Sears admitted to police that he had violated the terms set forth in the order.

Restrictions Imposed

The Criminal Behaviour Order, designed to curb Sears’ illegal activities, had specifically prohibited him from being present on Dagenham Heathway or in Elm Park Broadway, Havering. These restrictions were put in place due to his extensive history of shoplifting offenses.

Judicial Response

Following his arrest, Sears was promptly taken into custody. Subsequently, on November 29, he faced sentencing at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court, where he was handed a 16-week prison term. Chief Inspector for Havering Neighbourhood police teams, Charlie Routley, emphasized the significance of such punitive measures. He stated, “The sentence handed to Mr. Sears demonstrates the effectiveness of Criminal Behaviour Orders in dealing with repeat offenders.”

Community Safety Efforts

Chief Inspector Routley further underscored the collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and local councils in maintaining community safety. He affirmed, “We remain committed to working closely with our partners in Havering council and Barking and Dagenham council to actively target and disrupt criminal activities, thereby ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents.”

As we reflect on this incident, it serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing persistent criminal behavior. The case of Keith Sears sheds light on the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding our communities from potential threats. Let us remain vigilant and supportive of our law enforcement agencies as they strive to uphold peace and security for all.