Prolific thief could be banned from 10 Black Country shopping centres
A prolific shoplifter could be banned from 10 shopping areas across two Black Country boroughs and Birmingham as part of a move initiated by police.
The proposed criminal behaviour order against Raphael Scarlett would stop him entering town centres and shops in Dudley, Sandwell and Birmingham.
West Bromwich town centre
Oldbury town centre
Axeltree Way, Wednesbury
Windmill Lane Retail Park, Smethwick
One Stop Shop in Horsley Road, Tipton
Morrisons, Black Country Route, Bilston
Great Bridge shopping area
Co-operative Food, High Holborn Road, Sedgley
Tesco Expresss, Kent Street, Dudley
TK Maxx, Bullring, Birmingham
The criminal behaviour order would be the first of its kind to cover a patch across three authorities.
Scarlett, aged 35, of Grenville Drive, Smethwick, has 137 convictions, with 85 for theft and dishonesty.
He is currently serving a one year and 10 month sentence after being convicted of affray and theft at Wolverhampton Crown Court earlier this month.
Scarlett was convicted at Wolverhampton Crown Court on June 17. He was spotted stealing £69 worth of coffee and chocolate at B&M in Axeltree Way, Wednesbury, on April 20.
The court heard how Scarlett grabbed a pair of scissors when he saw them on a desk after being taken to the security office of the store.
He then pressed the scissors against the guard's throat before fleeing on a bike but was stopped again by the security guard and detained.
It was during the case police revealed plans for the criminal behaviour order against Scarlett.
Detective Sergeant Leighton Shingles, of West Midlands Force CID, based in Smethwick, said Scarlett was 'one of our most prolific shoplifters'.
The proposed order will be considered at a court hearing. No date has yet been set.
