Prolific thief banned from Beeston shops

A prolific shoplifter has been banned from multiple shops in Beeston.

James Martin, aged 44, who has multiple convictions for shop theft offences, has now been served with a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) after diligent work by neighbourhood officers.

Martin appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 17 February, where he pleaded guilty to five counts of theft at local businesses in the last three months of 2025.

Martin, of Chilwell, was given a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and also made subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order after a successful application by Nottinghamshire Police.

The order, which will be in place for the next two years, forbids Martin from entering the following stores:

• B&M Bargains in The Square
• Co‑op in Queen’s Road
• Tesco in Station Road
• Sainsbury’s in Stoney Street
• Home Bargains in Queen’s Road

He is also prohibited from being in possession of an open can or bottle of alcohol in the Beeston area.

Criminal Behaviour Orders are used to prevent repeat offenders from doing certain things or entering certain locations – a particularly useful tool when dealing with known shoplifters.

Any breaches of the orders are offences in themselves and can swiftly lead offenders to prison.

PC Erin Bellaby, who worked to secure the order, said:

“Martin is a prolific thief who has been a menace to local retailers for a number of years.

“Whilst we and other agencies want to help him to address the reasons behind his offending, we also must take firm steps to protect local retailers.

“This order will be a powerful tool for controlling Martin’s behaviour, and I sincerely hope he abides by it – because if he doesn’t, he will quickly find himself back in court and very possibly back in prison.”

Anyone wishing to report a breach of this order can do so by calling 101.