Persistent shoplifters will be banned from shops in Coventry under a new police project launched in the city.

Police will issue an exclusion notice to anyone arrested for shoplifting in the area, which lists the shops they are banned from.

The notice lasts for 12 months and the shoplifter's picture will be sent to 109 stores in the area.

Coventry police said the notices could affect whether the offender gets bail and the sentence they receive if they are caught shoplifting again.

Caught stealing

PC Kerrie Horwell, who is based at Little Park Street, in Coventry, said the scheme relied on shop managers working together with the police.

She said: "If someone is arrested for shoplifting in any of the 109 stores and they have a conviction for shoplifting committed in the last 12 months, an exclusion notice is served on them."

PC Howell said the offender received a copy of the exclusion notice together with a list of the shops they were excluded from.

The officer added: "If the shoplifter enters one of the stores during that time, they could be asked to leave without any reason.

"If they are caught stealing again, the notice is brought to the attention of the magistrates which is reflected in the sentence handed out."

PC Horwell said so far 30 people were excluded and the number would likely increase in the run up to Christmas.