Shoplifter jailed for Northwich Quality Save meat theft

Steven John Owen, of Victoria House, was made the subject of a substantial criminal behaviour order in May, which banned him from several town centre stores.

However, the 52-year-old, who breached the terms of that order just weeks later, found himself back in the court again.

On this occasion, Owen walked into Quality Save on Witton Street on June 28 – a store he wasn’t banned from – and stole meat worth £16.

However, he was caught and appeared at Chester Magistrates Court the following morning where he pleaded guilty.

Not only was Owen breaching the terms of the criminal behaviour order, but he was also committing the offence while subject of a suspended sentence.

Magistrates sentenced him to serve two weeks for this latest offence, but they also activated two of his suspended sentences.

Steven John Owen has been jailed

One of those was only imposed when he last appeared at court (on June 24) when he was given a six-week sentence suspended for 12 months.

They also activated a two-week term for when he shouted abuse and made threats in Chester Way Retail Park in January.

In total Owen will spend the next 10 weeks behind bars.

Speaking at the time of the criminal behaviour order being imposed, Sergeant Andrew Cooper of Cheshire Police said: “Steven Owen’s behaviour has had a significant impact on residents and business in the mid-Cheshire area for a number of years.

“His repeated shoplifting and anti-social behaviour was making life a misery for those who were subject to his illegal activities.

“The local beat team listened to local businesses and residents and began collating evidence which would bring the CBO application before the court to help curb his behaviour.

“This result is an important step in getting Owen to change his behaviour and prevent crime and anti-social behaviour on our streets.”

Owen must also pay a surcharge of £154 which will help fund victim services.