Barnstaple police crackdown on anti-social and criminal behaviour in the town

A busy couple of weeks for Barnstaple police has seen the closure of an ‘anti-social hotspot’ in a residential street and a prolific shoplifter jailed for 26 months.

On November 18, Barnstaple Magistrates’ Court granted a closure order for an address on Victoria Road it became a hotspot for anti-social behaviour, which police said was causing persistent disruption to those living nearby.

Barnstaple neighbourhood policing team applied for the order following prolonged reports of anti-social behaviour and disorder.

Known as a partial closure order, it means it is an offence for anyone to enter the property other than its registered tenants, the landlord (and agents) or emergency services during the next three months.

Sergeant Chris Mannell, neighbourhood team leader for Barnstaple town centre, said if the issues persisted, they would be able to apply to the court for a further or extended order.

He added: “My team will be monitoring the situation closely and will take action against anyone who chooses to breach the conditions which have been imposed.

“We would like to thank the community for their engagement and welcome continued reporting of any issues at this property through our published contact methods.”

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The team have also brought the crimes of a repeat shoplifting offender to a halt after he was arrested on November 9.

Paul Hector Willmore, aged 60, was charged with 15 offences of shoplifting with three further offences taken into consideration and refused bail.

He appeared at court the next day, where he was sentenced to 26 months in prison.

Following a further court appearance on November 19, Willmore was made the subject of a five year Criminal Behaviour Order to prevent any future offending on his release.

This places a raft of restrictions on him, which includes being barred from any Tesco, Marks and Spencer or Boots store, or entering any store he has been banned from by written notice.

He cannot be drunk or under the influence of alcohol or any illegal substance in a public place, nor be in possession of an open container of alcohol in a public place, except for licensed premises.

He must also not act in an anti-social manner in a way which may cause harassment, alarm or distress to any person within England and Wales. This includes behaviour which is intimidating or threatening.

Above: Paul Wilmore was charged with 15 counts of shoplifting.

Sgt Mannell added: “Criminal Behaviour Orders are a powerful tool that will help to prevent Willmore from committing criminal offences or causing anti-social behaviour in our community.

“There are now eight individuals who are subject of Criminal Behaviour Orders in Barnstaple, with a further order at the application stage.

“I hope this sends a clear message to offenders that persistent offending will not be tolerated and reassures our community that we are committed to tackling the issues that affect them.”

Anyone with concerns or information about anti-social behaviour should report it to police online using the reporting tool at https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk or by calling 101.

Always call 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.

Police in Barnstaple have secured a closure order on a property in Victoria Road that was the source of anti-social behaviour and disorder as well as seeing prolific shoplifter Paul Willmore jailed, in two unrelated cases. Credit: DCP