Serial shoplifter banned from Barry stores for three years

A prolific thief from Cadoxton has been slapped with a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order after repeatedly targeting shops in Barry.

Joshua Smith, 24, was handed the order at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on February 4 following his recent conviction for three thefts and one attempted theft.

The court heard how Smith regularly entered premises with no intention of purchasing goods and had become confrontational and aggressive when challenged by staff.

Under the terms of the CBO, Smith is now banned from Asda, Morrisons, and Iceland in the town, as well as the One Stop Shop in Broad Street.

He is also prohibited from entering Holton Road altogether, unless attending pre-arranged medical or support service appointments.

Smith has additionally been banned from a number of housing provider properties – Junction House in Hood Road, Ellis Fisher in Broad Street, and Ty’r Gyfraith in Greenwood Street.

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

PC Adrian Muscat, Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinator at South Wales Police, said: “South Wales Police works closely with retailers and businesses to protect them from crime and anti-social committed by individuals like Joshua Smith.

“Shoplifting can have a devastating impact on shopworkers and retailers.

“This case demonstrates our commitment to tackling retail theft and supporting the industry.”

The CBO is the latest result of a wider approach to shoplifting by police in Cardiff and the Vale, which has seen officers meeting with retailers and businesses to improve information and intelligence sharing, as well as arresting prolific offenders and those who profit from retail theft.