Corby street beggar issued with Criminal Behaviour Order

A 51-year-old man has been issued with a two-year criminal behaviour order (CBO) following persistent anti-social behaviour and begging in Corby town centre.

The order was granted by Northampton Magistrates’ Court on May 7, following a successful application by Northamptonshire Police.

Mark Weems, of Dorking Walk, Corby, was made subject of the order following complaints to the Corby Neighbourhood Policing Team about his aggressive behaviour when begging.

This behaviour included becoming aggressive and intimidating towards members of the public who declined to give him money as well as loitering around cash machines waiting for some of the most vulnerable members of the community to use them.

He also became verbally abusive when asked to move away from businesses and retailers, which caused further distress and alarm to those visiting and working in the town centre area.

This criminal behaviour order states Weems must not:

• Enter Corby town centre and Willow Place Shopping Centre where he has already been given a banning notice from
• Approach persons and ask for money (including food, money or material goods) in any street, road, public place or place to which the public have access to within Northamptonshire
• Enter any premises which he is banned or excluded from within Northamptonshire
• Remain on any premises when asked to leave by a member of staff or persons with authority to make such request within Northamptonshire.

If Weems fails to comply with the Criminal Behaviour Order, he risks being arrested and prosecuted further.

Anti-social Behaviour Sergeant Grace Manwaring of Northamptonshire Police said: “Tackling and preventing anti-social behaviour remains a priority for the Force, which includes making our retail areas a safer space for everyone.

“Mark Weems is a prolific aggressive beggar, usually targeting the most vulnerable members of our community, and his persistent anti-social behaviour has had a detrimental impact on the daily lives of those who work or come to visit the town.

“By issuing details of the order along with his photograph, we can make shop workers and the public aware of the restrictions imposed and ask anyone who sees Weems breaking the terms of this CBO to report it immediately to us by calling 101 so we can take further action.”

Reporting anti-social behaviour and finding support:

If you’re affected by ASB, please don’t suffer in silence. Reporting it allows the police and partners to see what’s happening, and take steps to protect and support you, as well as address the behaviour itself.

Information on ASB, including how to report it, is available here: Antisocial behaviour | Northamptonshire Police.

Report non-emergency incidents via 101, or call 999 in an emergency, where a crime is in progress or life is at risk.

Voice provides free support to victims and witnesses of crime, including ASB. Find out and access help here: Voice Northants | Voice for Victims & Witnesses.