Serial Shoplifter Handed Prison Sentence and Area Ban
A persistent thief who targeted a central London Boots store, making off with approximately £4,000 worth of beauty and skincare products, has been jailed and banned from the area. Michael Hayes, 35 and of no fixed address, was captured on CCTV during his brazen thefts.
A Seven-Week Crime Spree
Hayes's criminal activity spanned from May 7 to June 25. His first recorded offence was on May 7, where he stole 15 tubes of joint and back relief gel valued at £173. Undeterred, he returned the very next day, May 8, and escaped with around £792 of goods, including razor blade cartridges and more skincare items.
This pattern continued, with Hayes repeatedly raiding the Boots store on Moorgate over the following weeks. In total, his thefts amounted to the significant four-figure sum.
Court Sentencing and Consequences
At court, Hayes pleaded guilty to 10 counts of theft. The magistrate sentenced him to 22 weeks in prison. In a significant move to prevent further offences, the court also issued a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).
This order imposes a three-year ban on Hayes entering the Square Mile, the historic financial district of London. Additionally, he is prohibited from entering any Boots store in England and Wales.
Police and Business Crime Initiative
Sergeant James Wood of the City of London Police emphasised that shop theft is not treated as a low-level crime. "We understand the significant negative impact it has on businesses, employees and customers," he stated.
The sentencing coincided with Safer Business Action Week (SaBA), a national initiative supported by the police to reduce business crime. During this week, officers engaged with the public and local businesses on crime prevention.
Tijs Broeke, Chair of the Police Authority Board, commented: "We are committed to making the Square Mile a safe and welcoming place for everyone — and a hostile environment for those who come here to commit crime."
Police confirmed that if Hayes breaches the terms of his CBO, he will face further time in prison.
