Serial shoplifter now barred from all Spar shops in Newport

The conditions of Kirk Edwards’ criminal behaviour order (CBO) have been updated in a bid to curb his shoplifting.

A serial shoplifter, who targeted businesses in Newport and Cwmbran, has been barred from further stores.

Kirk Edwards, 28, has been banned from entering all Spar shops in Newport and the TK Maxx store on Mendalgief Retail Park, also in Newport.

Edwards was issued with the updated conditions to his criminal behaviour order (CBO) at Newport Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 19 February 2025.

In the original CBO, issued on 14 August 2024, Edwards was banned from entering all Tesco, Aldi and Sainsbury's stores in Newport.

He was also prohibited from the Boots and Evapor shops on Commercial Street, Newport.

In addition, Edwards was barred from entering two businesses in Cwmbran - the Shell garage on Henllys Way and Sainsbury's petrol station on Llewelyn Road.

PC Claire Drayton, Crime and Disorder Reduction Officer (CADRO) from the Newport neighbourhood policing team, said:

“I want to reassure businesses and residents that we are listening to your concerns.

“I’ve worked closely with our partners to secure this update to Edwards’ three-year CBO and I know it will be welcomed by businesses affected by his shoplifting.

“Theft, and particularly shoplifting, is not a victimless crime; the impact of this offending is hugely felt by our communities, notably businesses and retailers.”

The full conditions of the CBO state that Edwards must:
1) Not enter any Tesco, Aldi and Sainsbury's stores within the city of Newport,
2) Not enter Boots and Evapor on Commercial Street, Newport,
3) Not enter Shell garage on Henllys Way, Cwmbran,
4) Not enter Sainsbury's petrol station on Llewelyn Road, Cwmbran,
5) Not to enter TK Maxx, Mendalgief Retail Park,
6) Not to enter any Spar in the city of Newport.

If Edwards breaches any of the conditions above, he will be committing a criminal offence and could face arrest and, if found guilty, may be fined, sentenced to imprisonment, or both.

The CBO will remain in place until Saturday 14 August 2027.

If you see Edwards breaching this order, please contact Gwent Police via our website, call 101, or direct message us on Facebook or X.