ORDERS banning criminals from entering town centre businesses have been handed out by police in an effort to tackle shoplifting.

Cumbria police handed criminal behaviour orders to two people restricting access to shops in Workington town centre.

And existing ordered were tightened up on two others.

Gemma Macauley, 35, of William Street, Workington, had a pre-existing order tightened up. She is banned from any shop part of the Shopwatch scheme in Workington, Cockermouth and Whitehaven, as well as any Boots and B&M store in West Cumbria.

Michael Peter Burns, 35, of William Street, Workington, is also banned from all Shopwatch scheme premises in Workington, Cockermouth and Whitehaven, excluding the West Cumberland Hospital, as well as other shops in the area.

Marc McIvor, 30, of Hilary Close, Workington, was banned from entering any B&M store in West Cumbria, as well as any Asda and Travis Perkins in the area.

He was also banned from Lakes Home Centre, Low Road, Cockermouth.

Colin Orr, 49, of Blackburn Street, Workington, was handed a criminal behaviour order banning him from entering any premises that are members of the Workington and Whitehaven Shopwatch schemes.

PC Leesa Edwards said: “These orders are a fantastic tool to assist police and businesses to tackle shoplifting, which can cause great distress to those who suffer this on a regular basis.

“Retail staff should not have to face people intent on thieving.

“Therefore we will continue to apply for these orders whenever possible to reduce this type of crime in our towns.”

Neighbourhood Sergeant Lorraine Murphy said the orders were a last resort to prevent habitual shoplifting.

Richard Ashcroft, manager of the Washington Square Shopping Centre in Workington, said feedback from shop-owners had been positive.

He said: “They have revitalised the Shopwatch scheme, which hadn’t been working particularly well.

“It seems to be well supported now and I hope it continues to deter people from coming into the town and spoiling it for people.

“It’s difficult enough for shops to make a living as it is without having to deal with shoplifters.”

Sergeant Murphy said: “This is high-visibility, proactive policing responding directly to concerns from the community and all with the aim of making sure Workington town centre remains a welcoming place for all.”

Peter McCall, Cumbria’s police and crime commissioner, said: “I am 100 per cent in support of the police in applying these orders to those who think they can steal from local businesses; these are not victimless crimes, they will not be tolerated and the police will deal robustly with offenders.

“We need shop-owners, employees and local residents to help by reporting any shoplifters so that the police are aware of the individuals and can take action.”