Persistent shop thief jailed for 32 months after repeated CBO breaches

Persistent shop thief jailed for 32 months after repeated CBO breaches

A 54-year-old man from the Skegness area has been jailed for 32 months (two years and eight months) after repeatedly breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) and admitting the theft of two vapes.

Wayne Cobb, of no fixed address, appeared at Lincoln Crown Court on 29 October after admitting the theft of two vapes worth £12 from Heron Foods in Skegness on 30 August 2026. He was sentenced to two months' imprisonment for the offence.

The court also heard that he had breached the conditions of a CBO, which was issued by Boston Magistrates' Court on 26 November 2025, on three separate occasions. As a result, he was handed a 32-month prison sentence for the breaches, which will run concurrently with the sentence imposed for the theft.

Inspector Jacky Evans of East Lindsey’s Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "While increased reporting can contribute to higher recorded crime figures, this case demonstrates why reporting crime matters. No matter how minor an offence may seem, every report helps us build a clearer picture of offending, identify repeat offenders and take positive action. In this instance, that has resulted in a persistent offender being removed from our streets, making our communities safer.

"It also dispels the myth that we only investigate thefts above a certain value. That is simply not the case. We recognise the cumulative impact that retail crime has on businesses, staff and the wider community, and we remain committed to pursuing offenders regardless of the value involved.

"This individual had been offered support and opportunities to address his offending behaviour through relevant partner agencies. Despite those interventions, he continued to commit offences and repeatedly breached the conditions imposed by the court.

"Persistent offenders who continue to disregard court orders will be robustly pursued, and where offences are identified, we will work to ensure they are brought before the courts.

"I would like to thank everyone who takes the time to report these incidents to us. Information provided by businesses and members of the public helps us build intelligence, identify repeat offenders and focus our resources where they can have the greatest impact."

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