A burglar who targeted city centre businesses is behind bars following work by Carlisle’s Neighbourhood Policing team.
Stephen Francis Morton, aged 47, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at North Cumbria Magistrates’ Court earlier this week (18 May) to eight months in prison for burglary and theft offences.
On 19 February, Morton committed two commercial burglaries at stores in Carlisle city centre with intent to steal. The stores were the Premier convenience store on Lonsdale Street and B&M on English Street.
The following month, on 30 March, Morton attempted to steal a £7.25 bottle of wine from Home Bargains on Earl’s Lane.
Further to his prison sentence, officers have secured a two-year criminal behaviour order.
The order means that Morton is:
- Not to enter Carlisle city centre
- Not to be in possession of any unsealed vessel containing alcohol in any public place, except inside a licensed premises.
- Not to enter any premises part of the Carlisle Shopwatch / Cumbria Safer Business Partnership (Carlisle)
- Not to enter Tesco Express on English Street, Carlisle
- Not to enter the Spar on English Street, Carlisle
- Not to enter Farmfoods on Shaddongate, Carlisle
The punishment for breaking the terms of a criminal behaviour order can be up to five years in prison.
PC Andrew Beal, a Community Beat Officer for the Carlisle Neighbourhood Policing team, said:
“Stephen Morton’s actions show a blatant disregard for businesses and the wider community. Burglary and theft has a real impact on local retailers and will not be tolerated.
“Thanks to the proactive work of our neighbourhood team, Morton is now behind bars and additional restrictions have been put in place to help protect businesses in Carlisle.
“The Criminal Behaviour Order gives officers further powers, and we will not hesitate to act if these conditions are breached.”