A man, Reece Southern-Franks, aged 20, residing at Sunroyd Avenue, Horbury, Wakefield, has been issued a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order for persistent shoplifting. This action was a collaborative effort between Wakefield Council and West Yorkshire Police. The Order was granted at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on 9 August 2023.
The Criminal Behaviour Order stipulates that Mr Southern-Franks is prohibited from entering Castleford town centre, except when attending pre-arranged appointments, such as with solicitors, court, police, dentist, or doctor, or as directed by the court. During these appointments, he must take a direct route to and from the location and promptly leave the area once the appointment concludes.
Furthermore, he is restricted from entering specific establishments: B&M Bargains Store on Albion Street, Castleford; Wilkinson’s Store on Carlton Street, Castleford; and Sainsbury’s Store on Smawthorne Lane, Castleford. He must also promptly vacate any retail premises in the Wakefield district if instructed to do so by staff.
This Criminal Behaviour Order remains in effect until midnight on 8 August 2025. Violation of a Criminal Behaviour Order is considered an offence and may result in imprisonment.
Cllr Maureen Cummings, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Poverty and Health, said: “We are pleased the Court has granted this Criminal Behaviour Order. We will take firm action against people who behave in a way that is unacceptable and anti-social.
“Our joint action with West Yorkshire Police demonstrates that we do not tolerate this behaviour, which has no place in our district.”
Sergeant Matt Jaworski, who is lead area sergeant for Castleford, said: “We know a small group of people can have a huge impact on our town and city centres. We are committed to working with our partners to take action against those who seek to cause harm in our communities through criminal and anti-social behaviour.
“This CBO puts conditions on this individual and I would urge anyone who witnesses any potential breach of these conditions to report it. Breach of a CBO is a serious offence which can result in a prison sentence.”
