Southend shoplifter jailed after stealing over £4,000 of food and groceries
The man was spotted near Southend Police Station by an officer
A Southend man who targeted a city garage, stealing more than £4,000 of food and other groceries, has been jailed.
David Hill, 36, of no fixed address, was spotted and arrested on suspicion of shop theft by an officer from Southend Local Policing Team on the 4th of November.
He was also wanted on recall to prison.
The following day, at the city’s magistrates’ court, he admitted 32 counts of shop theft.
Magistrates were told Hill had targeted the BP garage in West Road between between 15 July and 28 October 2024, often twice a day.
Police Statement
PC Glen Vincent, of Southend Local Policing Team, said:
“Our officers know many of the local offenders here and many of the arrests they make happen because they recognise someone in the street who is wanted.
“Hill was near the police station when he was seen so it was a very quick trip to custody for him.
“Our case at court was strengthened by the quality of the CCTV footage and witness statements we submitted.
“Hill stole a significant amount of goods. We take shoplifting very seriously and our team is working with retailers, other businesses and residents across our city to help make it a safer place for everyone to live, work and visit.
“We want to send a clear message to offenders that this behaviour will not be tolerated in Essex.”
Hill was jailed for a total of 12 weeks and ordered to pay £500 compensation.