TV thief gets five-year ASBO (From Sutton Guardian)

Sutton man targeting vulnerable adults gets ASBO

11:20am Monday 23rd April 2012 in News By James Pepper

A five-year Anti-Social Behaviour Order has been issued to a persistent beggar who targets vulnerable people.

Among Jose Ramon's victims was an elderly avid television watcher whom Ramon convinced to give up his beloved set.

Ramon, of Sherbourne Court, Sutton, sold the television at an exchange shop on Sutton high street but police managed to recover it when it became apparent what the 36-year-old had been up to.

Following a history of begging, Ramon has now been banned from asking for money or property from people he doesn't know in the borough.

Nor is he allowed to bother anyone in his block of flats in Sherbourne Court, and is in fact restricted to his own floor in the block on Cavendish Road.

Asbo's are usually granted following an individual's appearance in court, however, on this occasion, officers secured a stand alone Asbo, which was not part of a criminal proceeding in court.

PC Sara Turnbull, of Sutton's Anti-Social Behaviour Unit, (ASBU) Barbara Payton, of the ASBU, and PC Mark Towler, of Sutton South Safer Neighbourhoods Team, spent six months gathering the evidence and paperwork to put together a detailed argument in court to secure the ASBO.

"This is an individual who has deliberately targeted and taken advantage of vulnerable adults on the borough," said PC Turnbull.

If anyone sees Ramon breaching his ASBO they should contact police immediately on 999.

The ASBO lasts until 17 April 2017.