A serial shoplifter has been banned from areas of Elm Park, following joint action by Havering Council and the Police.
Keith Sears, 45, of no fixed abode, received a 25-week custodial sentence and also a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) when he appeared at Barkingside Magistrates Court earlier this month.
The conditions of the CBO, which lasts for three years, include Sears being banned from The Broadway, Station Parade, St Nicholas Avenue and Elm Park Avenue, other than passing through in a moving vehicle. The CBO also bans him from areas of Dagenham.
Sears was arrested in May this year and was then found guilty of five shoplifting offences, one attempted shoplifting offence and a public order offence.
Police and Council officers from the community safety and enforcement teams, worked with the local community to gather evidence.
Reports of crime and anti-social behaviour were followed up and they then worked together with the CBO panel to forward the action to the courts.
Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, said:
“Working with the police, we are all determined to get those causing crime and anti-social behaviour, off our streets.
“We know the local community played a big part in helping to bring this offender to justice and we want to thank them.
“Both the police and ourselves will continue to listen to what is reported and act as strongly as we can so that our communities can feel safer.”
Inspector Mark Connolly, Havering Safer Neighbourhood Team South, said:
“We’re committed to tackling the issues that matter most to the local community in Havering.
“Both the custodial sentence and the Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) passed to Keith Sears would not have been achieved without the community reporting these crimes and assisting us with the investigations.
“This sentence will make a difference to those living and working in Elm Park.
My teams will continue to work together with Havering Council and the CBO panel on applications.
"This is vital in the long term problem solving and in community crime fighting.
“We’re striving to make a difference and I would encourage people to report crime online or call 101.
"To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers. Always 999 in an emergency.”