Oldham’s central team issue 37 CBOs to stop problematic shoplifting and ASB offenders from entering town centre

Oldham Central’s Neighbourhood Policing Team are utilising Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) to prevent repeat offenders from entering the town centre – and have sent a warning that they will arrest anyone who breaches them.

In total, the team has racked up 37 such orders – which place restrictions on offenders and limits their ability to enter places in which they are likely to cause disruption or commit offences. They are specifically used to prevent reoccurring problems within the community, such as repeat shoplifting, antisocial behaviour, and burglary.

The 37 people restricted by the CBOs – which are in place for times ranging from a few months to a few years – can be arrested should they breach the order. Punishments can include fines, further civil action, or imprisonment where necessary.

Town and city centres are often targeted for their range of shops and amenities, and by stopping the most problematic offenders from entering in the first place, officers are able to crack down on crime and reassure local stores that they are taking direct and decisive action.

This week, officers from the team are supporting the NBCC’s Safer Business Action Week (SaBA) – and will be locking up any CBO breachers who enter the town centre.

Further proactive work will see a range of patrols targeted at areas that have reported problems in the past – to provide a high-visibility presence and be on-hand to arrest offenders.

Inspector Nicholas Derbyshire, from GMP’s Oldham Central Neighbourhood Team, said: “CBOs are a great tool to keep repeat offenders away from stores and shops in which they cause constant issues for workers and members of the public alike.

“Some of the people hit with CBOs are constant offenders, and have racked up countless theft offences – by cutting off access to stores and bringing in the mechanism to make an immediate arrest should they breach the order, we want to show we are committed to aiding Oldham’s retailers.

“Many of those included in the orders have made life a misery for some shopworkers, making threats and abusing those simply out to make a living. These people will be met with a robust response should they decide to try it again – and can expect to end up in the back of a police van.

“Oldham is a great place to come to and we will continue issuing CBOs to ensure no one disrupts the lives of law-abiding citizens. To retailers, I would ask that you please continue providing us with information on shoplifters and ASB offenders. This enables us to compile everything and strengthen our case for arrests, charges, and further orders.”