Man, 38, jailed for shopliftings and burglary in Hythe and Dibden Purlieu

A 38-year-old man has been jailed for four months for 14 shopliftings and a non-dwelling burglary at a shop in 2022.

David Bryan Emblen, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Southampton Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Wednesday 6 December).

He received four months’ imprisonment for the burglary and one month concurrent for each of the shoplifting offences.

For some of the offences, Emblen had already been handed a community order at previous hearings.

At yesterday’s sentencing, the judge removed these orders and re-sentenced Emblen, as above.

Some of the offences, for which Emblen has been jailed, are detailed below;

- On Wednesday 29 November, Emblen stole £46 worth of bacon from Tesco Esso Express, Beaulieu Road, Dibden Purlieu.

- He was responsible for the theft of £55.55 worth of meat products from Tesco Esso Express, Beaulieu Road, Dibden Purlieu on Sunday 17 September.

- On Friday 1 September, he entered the Tesco store on Sizer Way, Dibden and stole meat and coffee, valued at £153.67.

- On Sunday 25 June, he stole £70 worth of cheese from One Stop in Fairview Parade, Hythe.

- He visited Tesco Esso Express in Beaulieu Road on Wednesday 1 February and left without paying for £145.80 worth of meat and fish products.

- The non-dwelling burglary occurred at Tesco, High Street, Lymington on Wednesday 16 March 2022. During that incident, Emblen smashed a lower glass door panel, before crawling through the gap and stealing £350 worth of alcohol. He pleaded guilty to this offence and initially received a community order.

Speaking recently, following further arrests, charges and convictions for shoplifting offences, New Forest Business Crime Lead, Inspector Linda Davies, said: “These recent results continue to emphasise our commitment to tackling shoplifting across the New Forest.

“We know the significant impact this crime has on businesses and the wider community.

“Our response will continue to create a hostile environment for those seeking to offend and we are committed to relentlessly pursuing those who continue to do so.

“Please continue to report incidents to us via 101, or online via our website – our officers will be following up and will work with businesses to streamline how information, important to our enquiries, is provided.

“You can report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

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