Shoplifter who repeatedly targeted Southampton stores jailed
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A man has been sentenced to a year in prison after stealing more than £1000 worth of stock from stores across Southampton.
James Robert Simpson, of no fixed abode, appeared at Southampton Magistrates Court yesterday (Thursday 18 December), where he was sentenced to 52 weeks in prison for stealing more than £1,600 worth of stock from stores between April and November of this year.
The court heard how Simpson stole the items, the majority of which consisted of chocolate, wine and detergent, on 15 occasions between April 6th and November 14th. He targeted the Sainsbury’s on Bedford Place six times and the One Stop store on Park Road seven times. He also stole from the Asda petrol station on Millbrook Road West, Basset Green Road Co-op, Boots on Portswood High Street and the One Stop store on Kendal Avenue.
Appearing in court yesterday, he pleaded guilty to the offences and was sentenced to 52 weeks in prison. He will also be subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order on his release, preventing him from entering any One Stop or Co-op store, as well as a number of other specific stores which he has repeatedly targeted.
Southampton West Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector Andy Proctor said: “Our high streets, shopping centres and convenience stores should be safe, crime-free spaces for shoppers, staff and visitors.
"Shoplifting is not a victimless crime, and we understand the impact it has on businesses and those working in retail. This blatant, selfish criminality is infuriating for us which is why we will continue our relentless pursuit of those repeatedly committing crime and causing distress.
“Thieves like Simpson should understand that their behaviour will not be tolerated and the impact that it has on its victims is not acceptable. We will track you down and do whatever is within our power to lock you up”.