Basildon shop thief jailed and banned from local stores
David Pitcher admits to 11 offences of theft
A serial shop thief in Basildon has been sentenced to eight weeks in jail and banned from two local stores after admitting to 11 offences.
David Pitcher, 47, targeted Tesco Express in Felmores End and BP in East Mayne, stealing hundreds of pounds worth of food, groceries, and laundry products.
These crimes were committed between 23rd June and 2nd August 2026 while Pitcher was subject to a crown court community order.
The town’s magistrates heard that Pitcher sometimes stole from Tesco Express two or three times a day.
A two-year criminal behaviour order has been imposed, preventing Pitcher from entering BP in East Mayne and Tesco Express in Felmores End during the ban.
Pitcher was arrested at his home on Jenner Road by an officer from the Operational Support Group on 8th August.
Ignoring this order could lead to another jail term.
He has also been ordered to pay £162.50 in compensation.
The court noted that Pitcher’s actions were 'aggravated by a very poor record of previous like offending'.