A Birkenhead woman has been handed a sweeping three-year ban from entering the town centre and a host of major retailers across Wirral following a violent robbery. This stringent court order comes on top of a significant prison sentence, sending a clear message about the consequences of retail crime.
Samantha Bristow, 40, faced Liverpool Crown Court on Monday, where the full extent of her actions at a TK Maxx store led to a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) designed to protect local businesses and the public upon her release from prison.
Key Takeaways
- Samantha Bristow, 40, has been jailed for 20 months for robbery.
- She received a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) banning her from Birkenhead town centre.
- The order also prohibits her from entering any Farmfoods, TK Maxx, Asda, Primark, or Wyndsors store in Wirral.
- The conviction stems from a June incident where she stole handbags and assaulted a staff member at TK Maxx.
- Merseyside Police have vowed to enforce the order strictly, with breaches leading to immediate arrest and potential further jail time.
Court Delivers Strict Sentence for Robbery
The sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court on September 15th concluded a case that began with a brazen daylight robbery. Samantha Bristow, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for her role in the incident.
However, the court's actions extended beyond incarceration. Recognizing a pattern of behaviour that posed a threat to the community, the judge also imposed a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order. This civil order will become active the moment she is released from prison and places severe restrictions on her movements and activities across the Wirral peninsula.
CBOs are designed as a long-term strategy to prevent re-offending by individuals who engage in persistent anti-social behaviour or criminal activity. They are a crucial tool for police and local authorities in managing individuals who cause significant disruption and harm to communities.
The Incident at TK Maxx
The conviction relates to an incident on Sunday, June 15th, at the TK Maxx store on Grange Road in Birkenhead. According to court records, Bristow entered the popular retailer and proceeded to steal several handbags.
When confronted by a member of the store's staff, the situation escalated. Bristow did not surrender the stolen goods but instead pushed the staff member before attempting to flee. This act of violence elevated the crime from simple shoplifting to robbery, a much more serious offence that carries a potential custodial sentence.
What is a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO)?
A Criminal Behaviour Order is a civil order made by a court following a conviction for any criminal offence. It is aimed at preventing further criminal or anti-social behaviour. A CBO can prohibit the offender from doing certain things, such as entering a specific area or contacting certain people, or require them to do certain things, like attend a substance abuse program. Breaching a CBO is a criminal offence in itself and can result in up to five years in prison.
Unpacking the Sweeping Ban
The terms of Bristow's CBO are extensive and specifically tailored to prevent her from targeting retail environments. The order, which will last for three years, includes several key prohibitions:
- Geographic Exclusion: She is completely banned from entering a designated area of Birkenhead town centre, which has been outlined on a map provided to law enforcement.
- Retailer Ban: She is forbidden from entering the premises of any Farmfoods, TK Maxx, Asda, Primark, or Wyndsors Store anywhere in the Wirral. This targets the types of establishments she has previously offended in.
- Anti-Social Behaviour Clause: The order explicitly prohibits her from deliberately spitting onto any person's property or any surface in a public place, addressing wider anti-social conduct.
- Compliance with Staff: Bristow must immediately leave any shop or commercial premises in Wirral if she is asked to do so by a member of staff. Failure to comply would constitute a breach of the order.
The Cost of Retail Crime
According to the British Retail Consortium, retail crime cost the industry over £1 billion in 2023. This figure includes losses from theft as well as the costs of implementing preventative measures. Incidents of violence and abuse against retail staff have also seen a sharp increase, making orders like CBOs a critical tool for protecting employees.
Merseyside Police Issue Stern Warning
Merseyside Police have welcomed the court's decision, emphasizing that the CBO will be rigorously enforced. Chief Inspector of Wirral Local Policing, David Morgan, provided a strong statement on the matter.
“Criminal Behaviour Orders are extremely effective and should Bristow breach the conditions of this order upon her release from prison, then she will be arrested, returned to court and may be returned to jail,” he stated.
The Chief Inspector highlighted the importance of the order in providing security and peace of mind for local businesses and their customers.
“I hope this CBO is reassuring to not only staff and customers in our local shops in Birkenhead, but also the wider Merseyside as it shows how seriously we take retail crime and anti-social behaviour,” Morgan added. “The neighbourhood policing team will continue to seek similar orders against those who seek to cause harm to our communities or encourage others to do so.”
Public Urged to Report Breaches
Police are now calling on the public to act as their eyes and ears. They actively encourage any members of the public who witness Samantha Bristow breaching any of the conditions of her CBO to report it immediately.
Reports can be made by contacting Merseyside Police via their social media handle @MerPolCC on X (formerly Twitter) or by calling the non-emergency number 101. This community vigilance is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of the court's order and maintaining safety in Wirral's retail hubs.