Prolific Chichester Shoplifter Jailed for Four Years After Theft Spree and Court Order Breaches

A notorious repeat offender from Chichester has been locked up for four years following a string of shop thefts and flagrant breaches of a court order.

Mwiya Kamutumwa, 25, also known as “Kush” and of West Broyle, was sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court on 15 April 2026 after pleading guilty to multiple crimes.

Kamutumwa targeted local stores including Co-op, One Stop, and TK Maxx over a prolonged period, racking up 17 counts of shop theft. He also admitted 13 breaches of a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), plus burglary and obstructing a police officer.

Identified via Sussex Police’s Operation Apprentice—aimed at prolific retail criminals—Kamutumwa showed total disregard for the law despite the CBO restrictions meant to curb his offending.

Repeat Offenders’ Toll on Local Shops
These persistent thieves hit small businesses hardest, causing direct losses, stock shortages, higher security costs, and staff fear. UK shoplifting offences topped 500,000 last year, with reoffenders driving two-thirds of cases—leading to £2 billion in annual retail damage and thousands of worker assaults.

Strong Sentence Signals Tough Stance
District Commander Adam McCaig praised the result, noting Kamutumwa’s “no regard for consequences.” He stressed shoplifting as a priority, backed by operations targeting repeat players.

Better enforcement—like CBO panels with exclusion zones, rehab requirements, and swift breach prosecutions—has slashed reoffending by up to 35% in some areas.

With Kamutumwa off the streets, it’s a win for Chichester retailers—but authorities warn more must be done via police-retailer partnerships and harsher penalties to protect communities.

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Posted: 2026-05-06T20:23:05+0000