A prolific shoplifter has been given a three-year ban from entering any Co-op or Marks and Spencer store after pleading guilty to 19 counts of theft and one count of common assault.

James Hazard, 41, of Merryhill Road, Bracknell appeared at Slough Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, February 28 where he was sentenced for multiple thefts from shops across Berkshire.

The incidents occurred between December 4 2023 and January 31 2024 where Hazard stole multiple items.

Alongside the Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), the Bracknell man was sentenced to 24 weeks imprisonment, suspended for two years.

A rehabilitation order was also put in place.

Investigating officer PC Rianne Ayres, of the Problem Solving Team, based at Bracknell police station, said: “James Hazard’s prolific offending has caused a detrimental impact on local businesses and this CBO gives police an additional power of arrest for any breach and reflects the local police’s positive action to tackle shoplifters.”

The Criminal Behaviour Order prevents the Bracknell man from entering any Marks and Spencer or Co-op store in Berkshire.

Except for the sole purpose of dispensing and paying for fuel, Hazard is also prohibited from entering any petrol station or associated shop throughout the county.

The order also prevents the offender from remaining in any shop or commercial premises if asked to leave by a member of staff.