Prolific shoplifter in Brentwood jailed for 16 weeks

Mark Woodhall went on a shoplifting spree with 21 separate incidents over a 10 month period.

Southend-on-Sea Magistrates
Author: Josh BarnesPublished 13th Aug 2023

A prolific shoplifter in Brentwood has been handed a 16-week jail sentence, after stealing over £2,000 worth of food and alcohol.

Mark Woodhall, 43 of Hilldene Avenue in Romford admitted to all of the charges and was sentenced at Southend-on-Sea Magistrates.

The Brentwood Local Policing Team reported 21 separate incidents of shoplifting, which started in July 2022. On that occasion the only thing stolen was an £11 case of beer.

Woodhall's thefts increased and he ended up stealing more than £400 pounds worth of meat and booze from just one shop.

Brentwood Sergeant Phoebe Dawson, said:

“Business theft is not a victimless crime.

“We know that shoplifting has repercussions for any business and their staff.

“We will work with colleagues across the force, including the Business Crime Team, to make sure those responsible are held to account.

“I’d like to thank PC Shepherd who trawled through the evidence and identified Woodhall and PC Dylan Peters who worked hard to secure the charges against Woodhall.”

Police say an application for a Criminal Behaviour Order has been made

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.