Aldershot shoplifter jailed
A court heard Shaun Mason, 39, stole items worth more than £675 from two stores in Aldershot.
A shoplifter has been jailed for 34 weeks after he stole items worth more than £675 from two stores in Aldershot.
Shaun Mason, 39, of Barn Avenue, Aldershot, stole drinks, laundry items, confectionery, food and alcohol worth £575 from One Stop on North Lane between June and October.
He also stole ice cream, drinks and confectionery worth £104 from Co-op on North Lane between June and October.
Basingstoke Magistrates Court also heard he assaulted a female staff member and damaged glass bottles of alcohol worth £36 at Co-op in June.
Officers arrested Mason and charged him with 16 counts of theft from a shop, common assault, criminal damage and breaking bail conditions.
He pleaded guilty to all offences and was jailed for 34 weeks at Basingstoke Magistrates Court on Tuesday 3 November. Mason was also given a 12-month restraining order, which has banned him from entering Co-op on North Lane.
Police Sergeant Rob Tiller, from the Aldershot NPT, said: "We know that Shaun Mason’s behaviour has had a huge impact on businesses, shop workers and the wider community.
"We take all reports of shoplifting extremely seriously and I hope this result reassures the local community that we will do all we can to put offenders before the courts.
"We want to stop this type of behaviour, and encourage businesses affected to please keep reporting crimes to us so we can relentlessly pursue those responsible.
"If you are a shop owner or staff member, please continue to report any shopliftings to us. With your information, we can take action, including arresting and charging suspects and convicting offenders at court.
"You can do this by calling 101, or by reporting online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website. If a crime is in progress, please call 999."