Prolific Crawley Shoplifter Given Criminal Behaviour Order

A prolific shoplifter has been given a Criminal Behaviour Order aimed to curb his offending in Crawley.

The five-year order against Ryan Higson, applied for by Sussex Police, was granted by Crawley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday October 13.

It was at court on the 13th where he was convicted of several thefts committed in the town over the summer.

Higson, 33, of no fixed address has 44 previous convictions for 127 offences.

He stole more than £1,000 worth of goods from different shops, including handbags, bedding, and food and drink.

He pleaded guilty to all offences and was given a nine-month community order, requiring him to attend drug dependency sessions. He was also ordered to pay costs and compensation for his crimes.

More notably, he was given a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order which prohibits him from the following:

• Entering any commercial retail premises in Crawley or Gatwick, when you have been banned from that premises by the owner/occupier or other person acting on behalf of the owner/occupier, of such premises. This includes all members of the Crawley and Gatwick Business Watch scheme.
• Remaining on any commercial/retail premises when you have been asked to leave by any staff member/owner/occupier of such premises.
• Loitering around any property to which you have been asked to leave or have been banned from by any staff member/owner/occupier or other person acting on behalf of the owner/occupier, of such premises.
• Entering any commercial/retail premises within Crawley without the means/funds to make a purchase or have proof of purchases made.
• Entering the County Oak Retail Park, Crawley, or Acorn Retail Park, Crawley.

PCSO Kieran Chappell, of the Crawley and Mid Sussex Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:

“We are delighted to have obtained this Criminal Behaviour Order for Ryan Higson. His behaviour and offending has been causing significant loss to the businesses of Crawley for a considerable period of time.

“This order will further assist Sussex Police in tackling his offending, preventing further loss and safeguarding our business community, as well as allowing him to re-address his behaviour and get the help he needs moving forward.”