A persistent thief from Skegness has been sentenced to two years and four months in prison after stealing over £1,000 worth of goods from shops he was banned from entering. Billy Appleyard, a 28-year-old resident of Tennyson Green, appeared at Lincoln Crown Court on April 16, 2026, following multiple breaches of his Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).
In February, Appleyard received a CBO that prohibited him from entering nearly all retail premises in Skegness, with the exception of one specified store and a pharmacy. Despite this order, he was found to have entered 17 banned stores, taking items such as meat, coffee, and cleaning products, which collectively amounted to £1,400.
The court's decision reflects the seriousness of his repeated offences, and in addition to his prison sentence, a new CBO was issued, set to last for three years. Appleyard was also ordered to pay a surcharge of £228 as part of his sentencing.
PC Lucy Hawley, the Community Beat Manager for the Skegness Neighbourhood Policing Team, addressed the impact of such persistent shop theft on local businesses and the community. She noted that repeat offending not only affects the financial stability of retailers but also takes an emotional toll on shop staff, who often face worry and disruption.
"Our officers see that impact first hand, which is why we take a firm and consistent approach along with our response and local security colleagues to tackling offenders who repeatedly target our shops," PC Hawley stated. She emphasized the commitment of local law enforcement to protect the high streets and support the community members who live and work in Skegness.
The Skegness community can take reassurance from the police's ongoing efforts to intervene and disrupt criminal activities. PC Hawley concluded with a promise that they will continue to work diligently to keep the community safe and hold offenders accountable.
As the community reflects on this case, it raises important questions about the effectiveness of such orders and the broader issue of shop theft in Skegness. How can the community come together to support local businesses and deter crime in the future?