Prolific shoplifter jailed and banned from Barry shops

A repeat offender has been jailed for two weeks and slapped with a two-year ban from shops in Barry following a series of thefts from local stores.

Philip Tamlin, 49, of Dunlin Court, pleaded guilty to five thefts including three from Morrisons and others from the Co-op and One Stop.

The prolific thief regularly entered premises with no intention of buying any goods and became confrontational and aggressive when challenged by staff.

On 16th September, Tamlin was jailed for two weeks at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court, ordered to pay compensation for the items stolen, and issued with a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

The court heard the CBO was necessary to prevent crime and to protect the community, local workers, and members of the public from continued distress, disruption and potential harm.

The order bans Tamlin from:

1. Entering or remaining on any retail premises in Barry unless he has a means to pay for goods
2. Entering Heol Ceiniog, Waterfront Retail Park
3. Entering Holton Road, Barry – unless he has a pre-arranged appointment with a support agency or medical appointment
4. Approaching or communicating with any person in a public place in a manner that is abusive, threatening, lewd or sexually explicit
5. Entering any council building or office except when he has a pre-arranged appointment
6. Must leave any premises when asked to do so by staff, security, police, or council officials

PC Adrian Muscat, Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinator at South Wales Police, said: “We work closely with retailers and businesses to protect them from crime and anti-social committed by individuals like Philip Tamlin. Shoplifting can have a devastating impact on shopworkers and retailers.”

This is the latest success following a new wider approach to shoplifting by police in Cardiff and The Vale, with officers meeting retailers to improve intelligence sharing and arresting prolific offenders.

Breaches should be reported to police.