Repeat shoplifter banned from every shop in Welsh city centre following theft

A 33-year-old repeat shoplifter in north Wales has been banned from all shops in Wrexham city centre. On Monday, November 18, Paul Loose, of Westminster Hotel in Chester appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court.

He admitted a charge of theft. North Wales Live reports that despite being banned from Farmfoods on Whitegate Road following previous incidents of shoplifting, Loose went into the store on Sunday, October 20. For the latest court reports, sign up to our crime newsletter here.

The court heard how he stole over £20 worth of coffee. The court banned him from entering any retail store in the city centre for a year and ordered him to repay Farmfoods the value of the stolen items.

He was also handed a community order, meaning he must undergo six months drug rehabilitation and 15 days of rehabilitation activity. Wrexham City Sergeant Sarah Hughes-Jones said: "I welcome this sentence that will prevent stores in our city from further incidents by Loose, who is a prolific shoplifter.

"As part of Operation Blizzard, we are working with local businesses and partner organisations across the city every day to crack down on retail crime in the run up to Christmas. It aims to tackle habitual and repeat perpetrators, ensuring we protect staff, customers and businesses from this type of criminality. We will continue to support retailers and robustly deal with offenders by bringing them before the courts."

Join the WalesOnline WhatsApp community

WalesOnline has launched a new breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community. From the biggest court stories to the latest traffic updates, weather warnings and breaking news, it's a simple way to stay up to date with what's happening in Wales.

Want to join? All you have to do is click on this link, select 'Join Community' and you're in. We will not spam your feed with constant messages, but you will receive updates from us daily.

If for some reason you decide you no longer want to be in our community, you can leave by clicking on the name at the top of your screen and clicking 'Exit Group'. We occasionally treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can read our Privacy Notice here.

Join our WhatsApp community here