A man who committed a staggering 15 thefts from shops in just a month has been handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

Ashley Wells, 28, of Selwood Road, in Frome, was handed the two-year-long order at a hearing at Taunton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 15.

Police say he has posed a “significant impact” on businesses in Frome and remind the public to report incidents of theft and anti-social behaviour.

The order, which was obtained by the Anti-Social Behaviour Unit and was supported by the Frome Neighbourhood Team, has a number of conditions and if they’re breached, he could face tougher penalties.

The conditions Wells is subject to are as follows.

  • Not to enter a business or shop where he had previously been given and verbal or written warning for.
  • Not to cause a nuisance or annoyance or act in a threatening manner.
  • Not to remain at a business of retail premises if he has been asked to leave by a member of staff, security, police officer or council official.

Alongside the CBO, Wells has also been jailed for three months following the hearing.

PCSO Kris Seviour, from the Neighbourhood Policing Team at Avon and Somerset Police, said: “Wells’ offending has had a significant impact on businesses in Frome and the public, so it’s important we use all the tools at our disposal to prevent any further offences being committed.

“We want to thank members of the public and local businesses who continued to report to Avon and Somerset Police and helped us gain the relevant evidence to gain a CBO for Wells.”

Somerset Anti-Social Behaviour Manager Cerwyn Pritchard said: “We are committed to targeting prolific and habitual offenders who’s behaviour is causing misery in our local communities.

“Anti-social behaviour can have a profound effect on communities and businesses and, by issuing orders like this, it can deter people from causing a nuisance and alarm.

“However, we need the public’s help to keep to tell us of any concerns they may have about someone acting in an anti-social manner.

“You can find out more about anti-social behaviour and how to report it on our website.”

A CBO is part of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and came into force on October 20, 2014. They are available on conviction for any criminal offence in any criminal court and are aimed at tackling the most serious and persistent offenders.