Prolific Shoplifter Jailed

A PROLIFIC shoplifter who targeted two Southend garages 42 times in ten weeks has been jailed.

 Jack Hills, 31, often concealed his thefts in a Minnie Mouse bag, the city’s magistrates heard on 4 October 2024.

 Between 26 July and 3 October 2024, Hills stole more than £6,371.40 of goods from the stores at the BP garages in West Road and London Road, including alcohol, deli items, meat, chocolate and car care products.

 He was arrested by an officer from Southend Local Policing Team just metres from the scene of his last theft at the garage in West Road.

 After the hearing, investigating officer PC Rachel Smith, of Southend Local Policing Team, said: “Many of Hills’ thefts individually amounted to less than £200, but they added up to almost £6,400 which is a lot of money for two businesses to lose.

 “And then there’s the threat and harm caused to members of shop staff and customers who experienced Hills’ criminal activities.

 “We will always seek to secure charges where we have the evidence to do so.

 “Hills is in jail now because these two businesses had previously reported all the offences committed against them and supplied us with witness statements and CCTV stills.

 “This evidence enabled a strong case to be presented at court, leaving him no choice but to plead guilty at the first opportunity.”

 Hills, of no fixed address, admitted the 42 thefts. He was jailed for a total of 24 weeks and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £154 victim surcharge.

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