Hythe teen (14) banned from several stores for shoplifting, vandalism, anti-social behaviour and intimidation

SHOPLIFTING, vandalism, and anti-social and intimidating behaviour resulted in a 14-year-old Hythe boy being banned from several local stores for a year.

The youngster, who cannot be named due to his age, was handed a criminal behaviour order (CBO) when he appeared at Southampton Youth Court.

This formed part of his sentencing after he pleaded guilty to four shopliftings and four criminal damage offences committed between 26th October 2024 and 20th February, most of which took place in Hythe.

Under the CBO’s conditions, he must not enter any shop or business premises for which he has been issued with a written banning letter.

These include Asda on Maynard Road in Totton, Welcome Store in Marchwood Village Centre, Tesco on Sizer Way at Dibden, Tesco on Hampton Lane in Blackfield, Tesco Esso Express on Beaulieu Road in Dibden Purlieu, as well as any Co-op store; and John Lewis at West Quay in Southampton.

The boy must also immediately leave any shop or business premises when asked to do so by a member of staff, and not enter the area marked out on a map, unless travelling through it on public transport or in a car.

Failure to comply could result in him being arrested and prosecuted further.

The youth was also given an 18-month youth restorative order and a 12-week electronically-monitored curfew. He must also pay a £26 surcharge to help fund victim support services, and complete five activity days.

Sgt Glenn Wilshere, from Waterside neighbourhood policing team, said: “This boy has continually targeted shops across the district. He has been responsible for shoplifting and criminal damage, as well as acting in an anti-social and intimidating manner.

“We will not tolerate this type of behaviour and this is why we have now got this order in place, to help protect our businesses and communities.

“Business crime is not a victimless crime. Repeat offences in particular can create an environment of fear for many retail workers, and this is simply not okay.”

Sgt Wilshere continued: “We want to stop this ASB and criminality, and encourage businesses affected to keep reporting incidents to us, so we can relentlessly pursue those responsible.

“Local policing teams put in a lot of work to support businesses, disrupt habitual offenders, and also work with support services for those whose offending cycle is driven by other factors.”

Incidents should be reported to officers online via hampshire.police.uk or by calling 101.