A 28-year-old man who committed 15 shop thefts in a month has been handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

Ashley Wells, of Selwood Road, in Frome, was handed the two-year-long order at a hearing at Taunton Magistrates' Court on Wednesday 15 May.

The order, obtained by the Anti-Social Behaviour Unit, means he cannot enter a business or shop where he had previously been given and verbal or written warning for.

If he does he could face further prosecution.

Other conditions of the order are:

• Not to cause a nuisance or annoyance or act in a threatening manner.
• Not to remain at a business of retail premises if he has been asked to leave by a member of staff, security, police officer or council official.

Alongside the CBO, Wells was jailed for three months following the hearing.

PCSO Kris Seviour, from the Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Wells offending has had a significant impact on businesses in Frome and the public, so it's important we use all the tools at our disposal to prevent any further offences being committed.

"We want to thank members of the public and local businesses to continue to report to Avon and Somerset Police and help us gain the relevant evidence to gain a CBO for Wells."