Man jailed following shoplifting spree targetting Co-Op stores in Portsmouth

editor@hampshireincidents.co.uk 28/11/2023
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A 51 year-old man has been jailed after a shoplifting spree that targeted Co-Op stores in Portsmouth

On Thursday 23 November Simon Collins of St Michaels Road was sentenced at Portsmouth Magistrates Court after he admitted 28 different shoplifting offences.

Between 5 September and 24 October Collins stole food from ten different Co-Op stores in Portsmouth, including those on Great Southsea Street, Twyford Avenue, and Fawcett Road.

In total Collins stole £1,925 of stock for which he was jailed for a total of six months.

Targeting shoplifters is a priority for the district, and police will be relentlessly pursuing those that are violent to staff or are repeat offenders.

Police have a city centre team dedicated to catching these offenders and are working with businesses including the Co-Op across the city to target shoplifters.

Chief Inspector Paul Markham said: “The city centre team and the wider Portsmouth District Policing Teams will continue to work hard to make Portsmouth a safer place for residents, visitors and businesses.

Please continue to report shoplifting incidents to us, as they help us build a stronger case against prolific offenders.

“Business owners and shop staff should not have to come to work and face criminal behaviour.

We’ve worked closely with the local Co-Op stores on this case to secure CCTV and statements that have assisted in securing this result at court.

“We hope that this sends a clear message to any shoplifters out there: continue to steal and you will end up in court.

”To help protect your business:Make sure staff are able to use any appropriate security equipment such as panic alarms.

Make sure CCTV cameras are in good working order, the position provides the best possible coverage and they are serviced annually.

Remind staff to report any suspicious activity to the manager or the police. Details should also be recorded and include: date, time, description of person.

The community are our eyes and ears and we encourage you to report all incidents as soon as you are able to by calling 101 if it’s not an emergency.

You can also report suspicious activity online by visiting our website: https://www.hampshire.police.ukIf a crime is in progress, always call 999.

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