A Southampton man has been jailed for eight months after admitting 32 shoplifting offences involving goods worth more than £3,000.
Laurence Benjamin Cuthbert, 38, of no fixed abode, appeared at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 27 August, where he pleaded guilty to the offences.
The thefts took place between Thursday 14 May and Wednesday 19 August at stores across West End, Hedge End, Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh and Southampton.
Items stolen included laundry products, meat, cheese, alcohol, sweets and coffee.
The stores targeted included:
• Co-op, High Street, West End
• Co-op, Shakespeare Road, Eastleigh
• Tesco, Swan Centre, Eastleigh
• Co-op, Hursley Road, Chandler’s Ford
• Sainsbury’s, Leigh Road, Eastleigh
• Sainsbury’s, Tollbar Way, Hedge End
• Marks & Spencer, Coles Close, Eastleigh
• Tesco Express, Wessex Road, West End
• Co-op, Bassett Green Road, Southampton
• Tesco Express, Burgess Road, Southampton
Speaking after sentencing, Sergeant Ralph Akehurst, of Hedge End Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “I am pleased to see Cuthbert placed behind bars. This sentence will offer the affected stores some much needed and deserved protection from his offending, thus preventing any further thefts and losses at his hands.
"Cuthbert has continually targeted shops across our district and beyond, showing no willingness to comply with the law in the process.
“Shoplifting is not a victimless crime and we continue to regularly target and prosecute those intent on stealing from our local businesses.
"Repeat offenders, in particular, can create an environment of fear and worry for many retail workers, and this is simply not okay and will never be tolerated.
“We want to stop this criminality, and encourage businesses affected to please keep reporting crimes to us, so we can relentlessly pursue those responsible.
“Local policing teams put in a lot of work to support our local businesses, disrupt habitual offenders like Cuthbert, and also work with support services for those whose offending cycle is driven by other factors such as drug and alcohol dependency.”
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary is urging shop owners and staff to continue reporting shoplifting incidents.
Reports can be made by calling 101 or through the force’s website.
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