Andover shoplifter jailed for repeat offences

Lee Oak had previously been banned from shops in the town

Author: Jonathan RichardsPublished 3rd Sep 2024

A prolific shoplifter in Andover has been jailed for 44 weeks, after admitting theft offences and breaching the terms of a court order.

Lee Oak, 43, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Basingstoke Magistrates Court. He pleaded guilty to nine counts of theft from a shop and four breaches of a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

The court heard that this offending took place at shops in Andover between Thursday 25 July and Monday 19 August this year.

Oak stole bottles of alcohol worth £993 from stores such as the Co-operative store in Salisbury Road and the Sainsbury’s store in Shepherds Spring Lane.

In stealing from the stores, the court heard that Oak was in breach of a CBO given to him in June this year for previous shoplifting offences.

The order had banned him from visiting any Co-operative store in Hampshire, as well as other stores in Andover.

Repeat

Speaking after the hearing, Andover Sergeant Rob Perry said:

“Lee Oak is a repeat offender who took these items with no intention of paying for them.

“We will continue to use all options available to us when it comes to repeat shoplifters. No staff member should come to work and witness or fear criminality.”

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