A PROLIFIC shoplifter with 44 previous convictions has been banned from entering a number of businesses.

Ryan Higson has been given a criminal behaviour order after stealing £1,000 worth of handbags, bedding, food and drink from a number of premises in Crawley.

The five-year order was granted by Crawley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, October 13.

The 33-year-old, of no fixed abode, was also convicted of a number of thefts committed in the town over the summer.

Higson pleaded guilty to all offences and was given a nine-month community order, requiring him to attend drug dependency sessions.

He was also ordered to pay costs and compensation for his crimes.

The Argus: Ryan Higson has been given a Criminal Behaviour Order after stealing £1,000 worth of handbags, bedding, food and drink Ryan Higson has been given a Criminal Behaviour Order after stealing £1,000 worth of handbags, bedding, food and drink

The prolific offender has 44 previous convictions for 127 offences.

The criminal behaviour order prohibits him from entering any commercial retail premises in Crawley or Gatwick that have banned him, which includes all members of the Crawley and Gatwick Business Watch scheme.

He has also been banned from loitering or remaining on commercial and retail premises when asked to leave, entering premises within Crawley without the means or funds to make a purchase and entering the County Oak Retail Park and the Acorn Retail Park.

PCSO Kieran Chappell, of the Crawley and Mid Sussex neighbourhood policing team, said: “We are delighted to have obtained this criminal behaviour order for Ryan Higson.

“His behaviour and offending has been causing significant loss to the businesses of Crawley for a considerable period of time.

“This order will further assist Sussex Police in tackling his offending, preventing further loss and safeguarding our business community, as well as allowing him to re-address his behaviour and get the help he needs moving forward.”