Prolific Shoplifter Jailed After Series Of Thefts Across Crawley

A prolific shoplifter has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after admitting a series of thefts and breaches of a Criminal Behaviour Order in Crawley.

Jason O'Dwyer, 39, of The Ridges, Guildford, pleaded guilty to five shop theft offences and three breaches of a Criminal Behaviour Order at Crawley Magistrates' Court on 1st May.

The court heard that O'Dwyer stole goods worth almost £1,000 from a number of businesses, including Peacocks, TK Maxx, a BP petrol station and the Co-op.

Among the offences, O'Dwyer stole a coat worth £60 from TK Maxx on 5th February.

He later stole items worth £357 from Marks & Spencer and the BP petrol station at Faygate on 19th March.

On 22nd and 23rd April, he stole goods worth £516 from Peacocks in Crawley.

O'Dwyer was arrested on 29th April at the Co-op store in Langley Green after being stopped by a Police Community Support Officer and store security staff.

The court was told he has 35 previous convictions for 64 offences, including 32 theft-related crimes.

His most recent convictions before the latest offences were for three shop thefts in February.

As well as the prison sentence, the court ordered O'Dwyer to pay compensation for the stolen items.

A new Criminal Behaviour Order was also imposed, lasting until April 2031.

The order prohibits him from remaining in any shop or store in Sussex if asked to leave by security staff.

It also bans him from entering London Gatwick Airport unless he has a valid travel ticket.

In addition, O'Dwyer is prohibited from entering a number of retail chains across West Sussex, including Marks & Spencer, Waitrose, John Lewis At Home, Dunelm, Superdry, Peacocks, Sainsbury's, Co-op, TK Maxx and HMV stores, as well as The Barn in Billingshurst.

The order also prohibits him from entering the town of Crawley.

Following the sentencing, Crawley District Commander Chief Inspector Steven Turner said officers were continuing efforts to tackle retail crime through Operation Apprentice, which targets prolific offenders.

He said:

"Officers are working hard to tackle shoplifting in Crawley, and through Operation Apprentice we are identifying the most prolific offenders.

"We understand the impact retail crime has for our community and for shop workers, which is why we are determined to catch criminals.

"I am pleased that by working with partners, O'Dwyer was caught and is now serving a custodial sentence."