A MAN has been handed a criminal behaviour order following numerous offences of assaults and shop thefts in Kidderminster and Worcester.

The criminal behaviour order (CBO) prevents 37-year-old Christopher Bateman, from Kidderminster, prevents him from behaving in a way that causes or is likely to cause a person harassment, alarm or distress.

He is also not allowed to enter a number of shops in Kidderminster town centre and Worcester.

The CBO will last for three years.

A spokesman from West Mercia Police said: "He is not to behave in any way that causes or is likely to cause any person harassment, alarm or distress, or behave in an aggressive, threatening or intimidating manner by making threats of unlawful violence or alleging that you are in possession of articles that may do harm.

"He must not enter Crossley Retail Park, Weavers Wharf, B&Q, Homebase, Spar, Morrison's, Aldi, Heron Foods, Tesco in Castle Road, Tesco in Comberton Hill, Tesco in Stourport Road, and Asda, within Kidderminster.

"He is also not to enter the Entertainer, DW Sports and WH Smith in Worcester.

"Christopher is a high offender for assaults and shop thefts in Kidderminster and Worcester."

He received the order on November 13, and it will run until November 13, 2020. If he breaches the CBO order, he could face a custodial sentence.

Residents are asked to call West Mercia Police on 101, if they see Christopher Bateman breaching the order.