Crawley Shop Thief Jailed Over Latest Offences

A repeat shoplifter has been jailed after committing multiple offences in Crawley just days after a previous court appearance.

Laurie Murphey, 34, of no fixed address, admitted eight shop thefts, eight breaches of a Community Protection Notice, and one count of obstructing an officer at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on 18 November.

Murphey had been issued a Community Order in September for earlier shop thefts but breached a court notice prohibiting him from entering the town centre, committing further

thefts at Peacocks in Queens Square and Sainsbury’s in Crawley Avenue.

He was detained by Crawley NPT officers on 17 November and has now been jailed for 18 weeks.

Crawley District Commander Chief Inspector Steve Turner said the sentence highlights the police’s commitment to tackling shoplifting and protecting retail staff, adding that the public should continue reporting incidents to help keep the town safe.