Barnstaple man jailed for criminal damage and theft offences
A man from Barnstaple has been jailed after stealing charity boxes and causing relentless disruption in the local community.
On Tuesday 2 December, Danny Hawkins, aged 34, of no fixed abode in Barnstaple, received a three-year prison sentence at Exeter Crown Court.
Hawkins admitted to criminal damage and burglary offences as well as a theft by finding offence. These were all taken into consideration upon sentencing.
As well as being jailed for three years, Hawkins was also issued with a Criminal Behaviour Order which prohibits him from:
- Acting in an anti-social manner which may cause or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to any person within England and Wales. This includes behaviour which is intimidating or threatening to any person.
- Being drunk or under the influence of alcohol or any illegal substance in a public place.
- Being in possession of an open container of alcohol in a public place saved for licensed premises.
- Urinating or defecating in any public place.
- Entering any McDonalds Restaurant in Devon
- Entering any B&M, Go Outdoors, Tesco, Currys, Saltrock, Boots, Outcasts Devon, Bet Fred or Coral Bookmakers premises in Devon.
- Entering Queen Anne’s Café, The Strand, Barnstaple including the cloistered area to the front and the seating area to the side.
- Entering any store from which he has received a written banning notice.
The Criminal Behaviour Order will be in place for eight years, effective from 2 December 2025.
Neighbourhood Beat Manager, PC Ben Beechey who leads the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Barnstaple said: “We’re pleased that Danny Hawkins is off the streets and is no longer able to cause issues in Barnstaple.
“Hawkins’ behaviour has caused disruption in the area for several months, and the theft of charity boxes demonstrates his blatant disregard for the community.
“The criminal behaviour order is a proactive tool that will help us to manage Hawkins robustly when he is eventually released, and we will continue to work with local residents and retailers to tackle anti-social behaviour and bring thieves to justice.
"I would like to thank each and every person who made reports and provided evidence that allowed us to target this offender. I’d also like to acknowledge the efforts of my team who work incredibly hard day in, day out, to make Barnstaple a safe place for everyone to live, work or visit.”
Concerns relating to shop theft, crime or anti-social behaviour should be reported to Devon & Cornwall Police by calling 101 or using the appropriate form on the force website: Report a crime | Devon & Cornwall Police.
Always call 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.
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