Shoplifter banned from shops across Norfolk

A man has been handed a Criminal Behaviour Order banning him from shops across Norfolk following multiple shop thefts.

Jacob Hearle, aged 44 and of Smith Close, Blofield appeared at Norwich Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 21 November after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing to 25 theft from shops, possession of an offensive weapon, possession of a class A drug (cocaine) and money laundering.

The charges relate to 25 shop thefts that occurred at Co-op stores between 19 September 2024 and 1 November 2024 across Norwich, Costessey, Long Stratton, Acle and Brundall, where items including meat, coffee, confectionery and alcohol were stolen to over the value of £5,100.

Hearle was arrested on Sunday 3 November and taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

During a search of his property officers seized a knife, cocaine and suspected stolen items.

He was later charged for the above offences.

During his court appearance, Hearle also admitted to a further 24 offences made up of theft from shops, attempt theft from shop and threatening behaviour offences, which were taken into consideration by the court under Operation Converter.

These offences took place between 11 August 2024 to 2 November 2024 across Norwich, Brundall and Wymondham.

The conditions of his CBO states that he must not enter any East of England Co-op within the county of Norfolk for five years.

In addition to the CBO, Hearle was given a 52-week prison sentence suspended for 24 months.