An abusive Exeter man jailed for repeated shoplifting and using a stolen bankcard has been banned from the city centre for five years.
Magistrates slapped the ban on Luke Bament, aged 24, of no fixed abode at the end of June, jailing him after he admitting stealing £70 perfume from Exeter High Street store John Lewis, food costing £6 from Haven banks Co-op, and used a stolen bank card to pay £396 for goods he bought himself from a business near The Quay.
The court heard Bament had caused years of misery in Exeter city centre, shoplifting, abusing staff, and being drunk, loitering outside shops.
Police said Luke Bament has been a persistent offender in Exeter city centre for several years. Photo: D&C Police.
He pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation after he attempted to use a stolen bank card in Exeter on April 23, 2026, plus nine counts of theft and one count of obstructing and resisting police in the execution of duty.
Bament, who was jailed for 44 weeks, was also hit with a full Criminal Behaviour Order, banning him from Exeter city centre, the Exe Bridges retail park, and Cowick Street in St Thomas until June 24, 2031.
The Criminal Behaviour Order bans Bament from:
- Entering any Exeter Business Against Crime store
- Entering Sidwell Street, Fore Street (city centre), South Street, Guildhall Shopping Centre, Princesshay Shopping Centre or Cowick Street, Exeter
- Sitting or loitering outside any business premise within PSPO area in Exeter
- Entering Exe Bridges retail park
- Remaining on private land or premises – including those with public access – that he has been banned from in writing
PC Sophie Holt, neighbourhood beat manager, said police were geared up to make sure Bament stayed away from the ban areas when he is freed from jail.
She said: “Luke Bament has been a persistent offender in Exeter city centre for several years. He has been abusive towards retail staff and his repeat offending and involvement in anti-social behaviour has had a significant impact on the community and on police resources.
“I hope this action reassures people living in Exeter that we take all reports of antisocial behaviour and shop theft seriously and that abusive behaviour towards retail workers will not be tolerated.”
She added: “We will continue to work alongside the community and partner organisations to ensure Bament complies with the conditions outlined in the Criminal Behaviour Order upon his release from prison.”
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