Beggar's ban from Luton after '˜posing' as homeless

39-year-old Gavin Lockyer – regularly seen around Luton with his two large dogs – has been banned from the town centre for three years after a criminal behaviour order (CBO) was imposed on him.

On Monday, November 7, Bedfordshire Police successfully applied to Luton Magistrates Court to secure the order against Lockyer.

A Beds Police spokesman said the force had received “numerous complaints” from people in Luton town centre.

He added: “The man was posing as homeless and taking advantage of people’s goodwill.”

Lockyer, of no fixed abode, had previously been convicted of possessing crack cocaine and heroin during a hearing at Luton Magistrates Court held on September 19.

The imposed CBO forbids him from entering the town centre for three years, except for pre-arranged appointments with a doctor or a solicitor.

Additionally Lockyer, who served in the Royal Navy for five years, is banned from causing harassment, alarm or distress to anyone in Luton.

PC Hollie Nicholson, who applied for the CBO, said: “We will not tolerate those who threaten or intimidate the public in Bedfordshire.

“This action is sending a clear message that we will fight anti-social behaviour to create a safe and peaceful county for our residents.”

In 2012, Luton Today reported that Lockyer was sleeping in a cemetery after council officers allegedly refused to grant him accommodation due to his refusal to part with his dogs. A fundraiser was organised for him by friends earlier this year.

Bedfordshire Police’s Operation Sentinel was launched to tackle anti-social behaviour including nuisance youths, street drinking, drug dealing and sex trade. You can contact the team at opsentinel@bed
fordshire.pnn.police.uk.