Prolific shoplifter from Waterlooville jailed for a year.

A 38 year-old man from Waterlooville who admitted fifteen shoplifting offences, criminal damage, and failing to answer bail twice has been jailed for a total of 12 months.

Michael Chandler of Kite Close in Waterlooville was sentenced at Portsmouth Magistrates Court on Monday 7 August.

He admitted stealing products including: bottles of alcohol, razors, two vacuum cleaners, and a TV, from Asda in Waterlooville between 17 August and 26 November 2022. In addition he damaged a plastic screen at WH Smith in Waterlooville on 22 May this year.

He also admitted stealing alcohol, meat, and other groceries from the One Stop on Hart Plain Avenue in Waterlooville, and the Co-Op stores in Denmead and Cowplain between 24 May and 12 July this year.

Sergeant Eleanor Waller from Waterlooville’s Neighbourhood Policing Team said: ”This court result sends a clear message to opportunistic thieves that this kind of behaviour won’t be tolerated. We’re working closely with local businesses, both big and small, to make sure that incidents are reported to us and that we can take action wherever possible, especially against repeat offenders. These types of crimes matter to our local communities and our relentless pursuit of criminals will continue so that we can address their concerns”.