Shoplifters face ban from Newtown stores

People caught shoplifting in Newtown are set to be banned from stores in a new scheme.

Dyfed-Powys Police has joined the business community to launch the project.

Together, they are launching the Steal and Be Banned (SABB) initiative.

In total, 60 retail premises have signed up to SABB, which will mirror a similar scheme in Welshpool.

Constable Jenna Darby and Community Service Officer Hannah Edwards have been instrumental in introducing the initiative.

Constable Darby said: "This will be an effective and robust approach to combat shoplifting in Newtown.

"At present, the Newtown business community does not have a coordinated approach in relation to shoplifting or security issues and there is little or no information sharing between individual businesses.

"The loss of revenue to retail premises from shoplifting can run into thousands of pounds and includes a diverse range of products. I believe that the success of this partnership will enable the initiative to expand.

"The members will meet once a month and when an individual has been convicted in court or been issued with a fixed-penalty notice or caution, their case will be put before the SABB committee and a minimum of 10 members will be required to vote."

Individuals - juvenile or adult - facing a ban can access information on an appeal against the decision.

In cases where people have been charged by the police but bailed to court, the individual will need to be convicted in court before a banning order is considered.

For a first offence offenders will be banned for three months, for a second offence, six months and a third, 12 months.