A SERIAL burglar has been banned from entering Runcorn for two years.

Lewis Dutton was jailed for 50 weeks in November after admitting offences including burglary and theft in the town.

The 28-year-old, formerly of Clapgates Crescent in Widnes, is now due to be released from prison – triggering the beginning of his two-year criminal behaviour order.

This order prevents him from entering Runcorn apart from attending pre-arranged medical or legal appointments and travelling to and from designated addresses of family members until June 2023.

If he breaches the conditions of his CBO, he could be jailed for up to five years.

Police constable Andy Maskell, of Cheshire Police’s Runcorn problem-solving team, said: “CBOs are one of a number of tools available to us to help stop persistent offending by people who blight communities.

“In the case of Dutton, he had caused alarm, harassment and distress to residents of Runcorn for a number of years prior to his recent spell in prison.

“His criminal behaviour has caused many of his victims to feel unsafe in their own homes.

“No-one should be subjected to such behaviour or feel threatened or intimidated by the actions of other people, and we will use all of the powers we have at our disposal to protect residents and businesses and ensure that Runcorn is a safer place to live, work and visit.”