A prolific shoplifter has been jailed for more than 10 months and banned from entering shops in Exeter city centre for five years following a long history of theft and anti-social behaviour. Luke Bament, 24, was sentenced on June 24 after admitting attempting to use a stolen bank card in Exeter on April 23. He also pleaded guilty to nine counts of theft and one count of obstructing or resisting a police officer in the execution of their duty.
Bament was handed a 44-week prison sentence and issued with a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), which will remain in force until June 2031. The order places sweeping restrictions on his movements across Exeter, preventing him from entering any business participating in the Exeter Business Against Crime scheme. He is also banned from several of the city’s busiest shopping areas, including Sidwell Street, Fore Street, South Street, Guildhall Shopping Centre, Princesshay Shopping Centre, Cowick Street and Exe Bridges Retail Park.
In addition to the location bans, Bament is prohibited from sitting or loitering outside businesses within Exeter’s Public Space Protection Order area.
The CBO also forbids him from entering any private land or premises from which he has been formally banned in writing, even if the premises are normally open to the public.
The order further prevents Bament from consuming alcohol in any public place.
Police say the measures are designed to protect retailers, shoppers and the wider community from a repeat offender whose actions have had a lasting impact on Exeter city centre.
Neighbourhood Beat Manager PC Sophie Holt described Bament as a familiar figure to both officers and retail workers.
“Criminal Behaviour Orders are a powerful tool that help us to keep our community safe,” she said.
“Luke Bament has been a persistent offender in Exeter city centre for several years. He has been abusive towards retail staff and his repeat offending and involvement in anti-social behaviour has had a significant impact on the community and on police resources.”
She added that the order demonstrates the force’s commitment to tackling shop theft and protecting retail workers from abuse.
“I hope this action reassures people living in Exeter that we take all reports of antisocial behaviour and shop theft seriously and that abusive behaviour towards retail workers will not be tolerated. I would urge anyone who sees anything that makes them feel unsafe to please report it to us.
“We will continue to work alongside the community and partner organisations to ensure Bament complies with the conditions outlined in the Criminal Behaviour Order upon his release from prison.”