Shop ban for thief who stole 31 coats worth £3,000

Ashley Granger, 35, was given a suspended sentence after stealing the coats and a TV from shops in Peterborough

A 35-year-old man has been convicted after stealing a TV and 31 coats that were collectively worth more than £3,000.

Ashley Granger, from Dogsthorpe, Peterborough, was arrested on 22 November after he was caught stealing a television from Currys at Maskew Avenue Retail Park.

He was detained by store security and was arrested for nine shoplifting offences that he was wanted for, Cambridgeshire Constabulary said.

On Friday, Granger was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison at Peterborough Crown Court, but suspended for 18 months.

The defendant admitted all nine offences carried out between 24 October and 22 November.

In addition, Granger must complete a 30-day thinking skills programme, a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement and was made the subject of a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order which states he must not enter:

•Brotherhood Retail Park, Peterborough

•Maskew Avenue Retail Park, Peterborough

•Any Mountain Warehouse store in England and Wales

PC Megan Curtis said: "Granger has been prolific in his offending recently, which is why we have taken action to get a Criminal Behaviour Order in place.

"If he is found to breach the conditions, this is an arrestable offence and he will be put back before the courts."