Man jailed after shoplifting spree in Portsmouth
Simon Collins, 51 of St Michaels Road admitted 28 different shoplifting offences
A 51 year-old man has been jailed after a shoplifting spree that targeted Co-Op stores in Portsmouth.
On Thursday 23 November Simon Collins of St Michaels Road was sentenced at Portsmouth Magistrates Court after he admitted 28 different shoplifting offences.
Between 5 September and 24 October Collins stole food from ten different Co-Op stores in Portsmouth, including those on Great Southsea Street, Twyford Avenue, and Fawcett Road.
In total Collins stole ÂŁ1,925 of stock for which he was jailed for a total of six months.
Targeting shoplifters is a priority for the district, and we will be relentlessly pursuing those that are violent to staff or are repeat offenders. We have a city centre team dedicated to catching these offenders and are working with businesses including the Co-Op across the city to target shoplifters.
Chief Inspector Paul Markham said: “The city centre team and the wider Portsmouth District Policing Teams will continue to work hard to make Portsmouth a safer place for residents, visitors and businesses. Please continue to report shoplifting incidents to us, as they help us build a stronger case against prolific offenders.
“Business owners and shop staff should not have to come to work and face criminal behaviour. We’ve worked closely with the local Co-Op stores on this case to secure CCTV and statements that have assisted in securing this result at court.
“We hope that this sends a clear message to any shoplifters out there: continue to steal and you will end up in court.”
To help protect your business:
- Make sure staff are able to use any appropriate security equipment such as panic alarms.
- Make sure CCTV cameras are in good working order, the position provides the best possible coverage and they are serviced annually.
- Remind staff to report any suspicious activity to the manager or the police. Details should also be recorded and include: date, time, description of person.