A PROLIFIC shoplifter has been banned from entering stores in Kidderminster town centre after being slapped with a criminal anti-social behaviour order (CRASBO).

James Taylor, 30, of Park Street, Kidderminster, was given the CRASBO at Kidderminster Magistrates Court after being sentenced for four offences of theft and one of assaulting a security guard.

The order lasts for two years and prevents him from being able to enter any retail premises in Kidderminster town centre, Crossley retail park and Spar in Marlpool Lane, as well as shops in Worcester city centre, except for Aldi and to visit pharmacies for the purpose of collecting prescriptions.

It also prohibits him from intentionally using foul, abusive or racist language of gestures towards anyone not of the same household as himself and from acting in a threatening or aggressive manner.

At an earlier hearing, Taylor admitted stealing three X-Box games, two Dyson vacuum cleaners and an iron from Sainsbury's, plus three dog harnesses from Just For Pets. The stolen goods were worth almost £1,000 and the offences all occurred between Monday, January 13 and Saturday, February 1, this year.

The assault related to an incident in which a security guard was punched and scratched when he detained Taylor for theft.

He was given a community order with a 12 month drug rehabilitation requirement and an 18-month supervision requirement.

The court was told police believed Taylor stole to fund drug and alcohol addictions.

As well as thefts, there were incidents of him swearing at and being abusive to shop staff. On one occasion he approached a security guard who was walking to work and was intimidating.

PC Andy Forbes of the Safer Neighbourhood Team, covering Kidderminster town centre, said: "The order does not prevent Taylor from accessing vital services such as GP surgeries, pharmacies and council buildings.

"However, it does prevent him from entering retail premises and this is to prevent him stealing and to prevent security guards, staff and shoppers from feeling threatened or intimidated by him.

"Security guards and shop staff have the right to do their job without being verbally or physically assaulted and this order demonstrates that we will not tolerate such behaviour."