Persistent shoplifting pair banned from town centre shops including Aldi and Asda

Shannon Liah Cowell, 26, of Harrow Street, South Elmsall, was given a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) and sentenced to 16 weeks in prison at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on September 21, 2023.

The CBO prevents her from entering Aldi on Barnsley Road, South Elmsall, Asda on Barnsley Road, South Elmsall, Tesco on Market Street, South Elmsall and Londis on Wakefield Road, Fitzwilliam and must not remain on any retail premises in the Wakefield Metropolitan District area if asked to leave by staff.

The CBO remains in force until midnight September 20, 2026.

Carl Hitchinson, 35, of Park Estate, South Kirkby, was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison and given a three-year CBO at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on September 26, 2023.

The order prevents him from entering Aldi on Barnsley Road, South Elmsall, Asda on Barnsley Road, South Elmsall and One Stop Shop, Stockingate, South Kirkby and he must not remain on any retail premises in the Wakefield Metropolitan District area if asked to leave by staff.

The CBO remains in force until midnight September 25, 2026.

Insp Glen Costello, who leads the Wakefield East Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Cowell and Hitchinson repeatedly targeted retail premises in the area with their criminal and anti-social behaviour.

“We work closely with partners to take action against those who behave in this way, and as this outcome shows, have a range of powers we can use to protect our communities from people who seek to cause harm or distress.

“Both these offenders are now subject to strict conditions they must abide by, and I would urge anyone who witnesses either of them breaching their orders to report this to our officers so further action can be taken.”

Coun Maureen Cummings, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Poverty and Health, said: “We are pleased the court has granted these Criminal Behaviour Orders. We will take firm action against people who behave in a way that is unacceptable and anti-social.

“Our joint action with West Yorkshire Police demonstrates that we do not tolerate this behaviour, which has no place in our district.”