A shoplifter described by police as a menace to businesses has been jailed and banned from shops in two West Cumbrian towns.

Mark William Whitehead, 31, of Senhouse Street, Workington, has become the fourth criminal given a criminal behaviour order in West Cumbria in the past month as steps are taken to protect businesses from repeat offenders.

Whitehead appeared at Carlisle Magistrates' Court yesterday (October 12) and was jailed for 147 days for assault and shoplifting offences.

He was also banned from entering any premises within the Workington and Maryport shop watch schemes, going into Workington town centre, or entering the town's Simply Food and Drink shop, Wine Cellar at Moorclose, Grisedale Store in Senhouse Street, or The Corner Shop and McColls in Fisher Street.

If he breaches the order, Whitehead could be jailed for up to five years.

The ruling comes after police secured criminal behaviour orders against James Thompson, 37, of Station Inn, Maryport and Joseph Langcake, 24, of Headlands Close Workington.

A three-year criminal behaviour order was also secured against Gemma Rice, 26, of Headlands Close, Workington after she convicted of a robbery at One Stop in Seaton, three shoplifting offences at the same shop and stealing from Poundstretcher in Annie Pit Lane, Workington.

Rice is banned from all shop watch premises in Workington and Cockermouth, One Stop in Seaton, B&M and Matalan in Workington and Home Bargains in Whitehaven.

Sgt Lorraine Murphy of Cumbria police said: "Criminal behaviour orders are an extremely useful tool against prolific, repeat offenders.

"The punishment for breaching the order is spelled out in court and those made subject have a decision to make – abide by the terms and stop offending or risk a lengthy prison term.

"We’re fortunate to have received excellent support from the Crown Prosecution Service in securing these criminal behaviour orders which should give businesses some respite from these serial offenders.

"The lead up to Christmas often sees a rise in shoplifting offences. We will continue to work with local businesses to target those who commit such offences and, where appropriate, we will seek further criminal behaviour orders.

"The public are vital when it comes to making sure the terms of criminal behaviour orders are adhered to. I would urge any business or individual who sees the terms of the order being breached to make contact with the police."