Norwich shoplifter banned from multiple stores

A serial shoplifter has been handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) banning him from numerous stores after admitting to a further 20 offences while in prison.

Paul James, aged 33, of HM Prison, Knox Road, appeared for sentence at Norwich Magistrates Court on Monday 6 November 2023 after he had previously admitted to two charges of theft from shops.

The first related to an incident at Tesco Express in Plumstead Road, Sprowston, on 12 August 2023 where James – who was using a wheelchair at the time – placed eight packs of chicken fillets in a bag on his lap and left the store making no effort to pay.

The second involved the theft of two electric razors from Boots in Riverside on 14 May 2023, which was caught on CCTV.

He was handed a three year CBO and an additional two months and one week in jail to run concurrently.

The provisions set out in the CBO state that James must not go equipped to steal or enter the following areas and stores:

• Riverside Retail Park, Norwich
• Cathedral Retail Park, Norwich
• Chantry Place Shopping Centre, Norwich
• Sainsbury Local, St Stephen’s Street, Norwich
• Iceland Foods, Anglia Square, Norwich
• All East of England Co-op stores in the Norwich City Council area
• All Tesco stores in the Norwich City Council area
• Specsavers, White Lion Street
• Primark, Haymarket Street, Norwich

In addition he must produce a valid receipt for any purchases upon request, he must inform Norfolk Constabulary within 48 hours of any change of address, and he must engage with Change, Live, Grow to tackle his drug and alcohol abuse.

James was investigated while in prison by Norfolk Constabulary’s dedicated TIC Unit, Operation Converter, and after interview asked for 18 other offences to be taken into consideration.

The offences included taking spirits from Waitrose in Eaton, steaks and chicken from Tesco in Unthank Road, coffee from the Co-op in Unthank Road, Prosecco and chocolates from Tesco Express in Magdalen Road, and sunglasses from Specsavers in St Stephen’s Street.

Most of the offences took place in and around Norwich targeting supermarkets and convenience stores.

One took place in Gorleston where he stole £532 worth of spirits from Morrisons.

They all happened between March 2022 and September 2023 totalling close to £1,800 worth of goods, some £170 of which has been recovered.

Duncan Etchells, staff supervisor of Op Converter, said: "James is a prolific offender who has, so far, shown no signs of being able to stop. The aim of the CBO is to protect businesses and help James to make positive changes in his life."

James is due to be released in February 2024.