A prolific thief has been banned from a town centre - unless passing through on a train. Tom Cole has been barred from entering Macclesfield, and was also jailed for his crime spree.
If he breaches the ban he could face five years in prison. Police say he has brought "misery" to the town for years.
Cole, of no fixed abode, but from Macclesfield, has been ordered to adhere to a strict Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) following his release from prison. He was sentenced to eight weeks for theft from motor vehicle at Chester Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to the offence.
Following his release from prison, he must adhere to a two-year CBO which expires on 28 February 2025. Under the terms of the order, which was successfully applied for by Macclesfield South Beat Team, the 36-year-old is prohibited from entering the town centre of Macclesfield as defined by the map unless on a train which is passing through the area.
Sergeant Matt Bassirat said: “Cole is a prolific offender who has brought misery to Macclesfield over recent years. This is a fantastic result which shows the lengths we will go to stop offenders such as Cole in their tracks to bring harmony back to the town.
“Orders such as CBOs are just another tool that allows officers to further protect communities from harm caused by offenders. If Cole fails to comply with any of the conditions of the order, he could receive a final penalty of five years imprisonment.”
Anyone who encounters Cole breaching any of the above restrictions is urged to contact Cheshire Police at https://www.cheshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/soh/seen-or-heard/ or call 101, to report it.
