Prolific shoplifter banned from Weymouth streets

A prolific shoplifter who repeatedly targeted businesses in Weymouth has been banned from parts of the town centre. Forty-three-year-old Nicholas Gardner was given a criminal behaviour order after being linked to more than sixty theft offences. He appeared at Poole Magistrates’ Court where he received a suspended prison sentence for shoplifting. The order prevents him from entering several streets in the town centre for five years.

A prolific shoplifter who repeatedly targeted businesses in Weymouth has been banned from key areas of the town centre.

Nicholas Gardner, 43, of no fixed abode, was issued with a criminal behaviour order after appearing at Poole Magistrates’ Court on 31 March 2026.

He was sentenced to 11 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, after admitting theft offences including stealing from the Tesco Express store in St Thomas Street.

Police presented evidence showing Gardner had been involved in more than 60 theft-related incidents, mainly shoplifting from businesses in Weymouth town centre.

The court granted a criminal behaviour order lasting five years.

Under the order, Gardner is banned from entering St Marys Street, New Bond Street, St Thomas Street and Westham Road unless attending a pre-arranged appointment.

He is also prohibited from entering any premises from which he has been banned and must engage with Reach drug and alcohol services until discharged.

Police Constable Ben Worley from the Weymouth Neighbourhood Policing Team said Gardner’s offences had caused significant disruption and loss for local businesses.

He added the order shows police take persistent shoplifting seriously and will take robust action to protect local shops and staff.