Prolific Shoplifter Banned From Sussex Stores

A prolific shoplifter has been banned from Co-op stores in Sussex after admitting a series of offences.

Arron Jones, 32, carried out thefts across West Sussex and admitted 15 charges in court.

His thefts amounted to more than £1,000 in items, ranging from meats and poultry to bottles of alcohol, packs of butter and football cards.

His spree lasted from July to December, and he was identified as a prolific offender by officers from the Worthing Response Investigation Team.

At Crawley Magistrates’ Court on January 7 he admitted 13 charges of shop theft, and two charges of burglary, other than a dwelling.

The court told Jones, of Brighton Road, Crawley, that he was forbidden from entering any Co-op store in Sussex as part of a Criminal Behaviour Oder.

The order also specified he was not to enter into any store in Sussex with a named accomplice.

It also forbids him from remaining on any premises if he is asked to leave by any owner, staff member or security guard.

They are encouraged to call the police in the case of any breach.

The court heard ow he entered stores and stole items between July and December.

Jones was ordered to pay £581 in compensation to the Co-op, £248 in compensation to Sainsbury’s, £240 in compensation to M&S, £167 in compensation to Waitrose, and £10 in compensation to Greggs.

He was ordered to complete six months of treatment for drug rehabilitation, and do ten Rehabilitation Activity Requirement sessions as part of a one-year community order.

Chief Inspector James Davidson said:

“Jones was identified as a target for his persistent shop theft offences across stores in West Sussex, primarily Co-op stores.

“We understand the concern shoplifting causes for the community and for shop workers who are faced with these offences.

“We continue to work in partnership with businesses to identify the most prolific offenders and we are determined to prosecute cases.”