One of Ipswich’s most prolific pilferers has become the first shoplifter to be given a criminal behaviour order banning him from all the shops in the town centre.

Ipswich Star: The green area is where shoplifter Shaun Gull is banned from enteringThe green area is where shoplifter Shaun Gull is banned from entering (Image: Archant)

Shaun Gull, of Fore Street, Ipswich, was given the order by the town’s South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court after an application by the police who have continually had to deal with him.

The 45-year-old, who has numerous convictions for theft, is now barred from entering Ipswich town centre for two years.

Sergeant Vicky McParland, based with the Central Ipswich team in Museum Street, said: “Shaun Gull is the first person to be issued with a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) in Ipswich Town Centre following his continued shoplifting offences and we hope this outcome will send a clear message to shoplifters that these acts will not be tolerated.

“His offending was persistent.

Ipswich Star: Shoplifter Shaun GullShoplifter Shaun Gull (Image: Archant)

“Whatever the previous sanction he received from the courts did not appear to have any effect, which is why we have taken this action in order to support the retailers in the town and given them the confidence that we are alert to what has gone on.

“Shaun’s actions have been prolific in Ipswich and have caused significant problems for local businesses, their staff and members of the public.

“We hope the CBO reassures the local community that we are taking action against individuals who persistently engage in crime.”

Gull was given his behaviour order due to the number of thefts he has committed at shops in Ipswich.

The most recent of offences also involved him assaulting a security guard and committing criminal damage at the Co-op in Fircroft Road.

These offences occurred on February 24 when he attempted to steal meat to the value of £39.73 from the Co-op.

During the incident he also damaged coffee jars and mugs to the value of £50.

In addition to Gull’s CBO, which runs until May 2018, he was also given a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement and must pay £85 to the victims’ fund.

CBOs are issued by the courts to tackle anti-social behaviour and are applied following a conviction for a criminal offence.

Breaching a criminal behaviour order is an offence which carries a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment.