Shoplifter Jailed and Banned from All Co-op Stores in Fareham

A man has been sentenced to 16 weeks in jail and banned from all Co-op stores in Fareham after stealing goods worth £765.

James Durber, 40, appeared at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 21 February, where he pleaded guilty to multiple theft charges:

Stealing £130 worth of goods from Boots in Westbury Mall on 12 December 2024.

Taking £199.60 worth of meat from Co-op on Highlands Road on 18 December 2024.

Shoplifting £241.60 worth of meat from the same Co-op on 8 February 2025.

Stealing £127 worth of laundry products from the same Co-op on 9 February.

Taking £67 worth of meat from Co-op on Fairfield Avenue on 16 February.

Durber, who has no fixed address, was also given a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).Criminal Behaviour Order Restrictions

Under the terms of the CBO, Durber is: Prohibited from entering any Co-op food store in Fareham.

Banned from entering or staying on any retail premises unless he has the means to pay for goods or services.

Required to leave any business or retail premises immediately if asked, without using aggressive or abusive language or behavior.

Any breach of these conditions could result in further arrest, prosecution, imprisonment, or fines.

PC Tom Pickup, from the Fareham Neighbourhood Policing Team, commented:

“Retail staff work hard and should not have to deal with shoplifting, abuse, or anti-social behavior while doing their jobs.

“Durber is a repeat offender who steals large quantities of goods, causing ongoing harm to businesses in Fareham.

“When shoplifting is reported, we make every effort to identify and arrest those responsible and use tools such as CBOs to prevent further offending.

“While there are many reasons why individuals shoplift often linked to addiction we work with local services to provide support.

“We encourage the community to report incidents of business crime and anti-social behavior so we can take appropriate action.”