Dyfed-Powys say anyone caught stealing over the Christmas period will be banned from entering shops.

The message from the police comes as some 14 people are currently banned from over 20 shops in Milford Haven.

They have been stopped from entering shops that are members of the Steal and Be Banned Scheme (SABB), which is run as a partnership between participating businesses and Dyfed-Powys Police.

The scheme has been running in the town for three years and is being proactively pushed at Christmastime to reduce theft and anti-social behaviour.

Anyone who steals or behaves anti socially in the participating shops will be banned for an indefinite period from all shops in the town displaying the SABB logo.

PCSO Dario Osmolak from Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “At present there are 14 people banned from entering shops participating in the scheme ranging from three to 12 months banning periods.

“Steal and Be Banned is an effective tool to help prevent, reduce and combat theft offences within the area.

“If anyone is arrested for theft in shops which are scheme members, they will be banned from not just that shop, but all shops that display the Steal and Be Banned poster.”

For more information on Steal and Be Banned, call 101 and ask for your local Neighbourhood Policing Team.