Christopher Bullivant, a notorious shoplifter previously subject to North Yorkshire’s inaugural criminal behaviour order for retail theft, has been sentenced to eight months in prison for violating the order. Bullivant, 41, was caught stealing from convenience stores in York earlier this month, leading to his incarceration. His history of shoplifting offenses prompted North Yorkshire Police to seek the order. Shoplifting incidents in England and Wales have surged by 23% to over 492,000 in the year up to September 2024, as reported by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This marks the highest recorded figure since tracking began in 2003. Bullivant, without a fixed address, confessed to breaching the criminal behaviour order at York Magistrates’ Court.
PC Jonathan Lewis of North Yorkshire Police described Bullivant as a “highly prolific shoplifter,” emphasizing the necessity of criminal behaviour orders in combatting repeat offenders like him. These orders play a crucial role in safeguarding retail staff and customers from potential verbal and physical harm accompanying theft incidents. The police are committed to employing more of these orders to address retail crime effectively. The swift and resolute response to breaches of such orders underscores the zero-tolerance approach adopted by law enforcement and the judiciary. For further updates, you can listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds or catch up with the latest episode of Look North. (Related internet links: North Yorkshire Police)
