Two Notorious Shoplifters Banned from Chiswick

Kelly Moore and Max Holt were well known to local shop managers

Kelly Moore and Max Holt were well known faces on the High Road. Picture: Met Police

A major police operation targeting persistent shoplifting on Chiswick High Road has resulted in two of the area’s most prolific offenders being banned from entering Chiswick for years to come. Officers say the outcome marks a significant step forward for retailers who have endured repeat thefts and intimidation.

As part of a focused shoplifting blitz, neighbourhood officers worked closely with staff from multiple shops and used the new retail-crime intelligence platform Auror to build detailed case files against both suspects.

Max Holt, 50, of no fixed abode, was convicted of 16 shoplifting offences and one count of common assault. He received a 12-month prison sentence. The court also granted a seven-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), applied for by police, which places strict conditions on his movements and behaviour.

Kelly Moore, 38, also of no fixed abode, was convicted of four shoplifting offences. She received time served for those matters but was recalled to prison to complete a previous sentence. A five-year CBO was also granted.

Both CBOs include conditions preventing Holt and Moore from entering any retail premises from which they are banned, wearing hats, hoods or face coverings inside shops, or carrying sealed retail goods without a receipt. Crucially, both are prohibited from entering Chiswick altogether, except when travelling through on public transport without alighting.

Police say this gives them the power to arrest either offender immediately if they set foot in Chiswick during the period of their orders.

“These are excellent results for us and particularly for the retailers in Chiswick who have had to endure their persistent offending for many years,” said Sgt O’Donnell. “If anyone sees either of them in Chiswick, please report it to police.”

As part of the wider crackdown on retail crime, officers also executed a warrant at an address suspected of being used to sell stolen goods from the High Road. Last year, a woman at the same address was convicted of handling stolen goods and given a community order.

During the latest search, police recovered around £3,000 worth of suspected stolen property. The occupant remains under investigation, and officers say they will work with the council to address ongoing issues at the address.

A separate warrant was carried out at an address near the river linked to County Lines drug dealing across Chiswick and neighbouring boroughs. Officers recovered a quantity of suspected Class A drugs and several weapons. Three people were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and have been bailed while enquiries continue.

Police also moved quickly against a man described as “very problematic” who has been causing issues along the High Road and committing offences across Ealing, Hounslow and Richmond. Despite being on court bail for commercial burglaries, he committed another burglary in Chiswick. Officers identified him, gathered evidence and arrested him. He has now been charged, and police are applying for a CBO in his case as well.

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