Five men sentenced for shoplifting across Portsmouth - including trio with a penchant for meats and cheeses

A quintet of prolific shoplifters have been sentenced in court after carrying out a string of thefts from supermarkets and convenience stores across Portsmouth and the surrounding area.

The offenders, who repeatedly targeted retailers over the course of several months, stole thousands of pounds worth of food, alcohol, household goods and other items. The sentences form part of ongoing efforts by police to tackle repeat shoplifting and support businesses affected by persistent theft.

Chris Carter, 42, of no fixed abode, was jailed for eight months at Portsmouth Crown Court on May 15 after admitting six shoplifting offences committed between April and May.

The offences included thefts from Spar in St James Road, Co-op stores in New Road, Tesco in Crasswell Street and One Stop in Copnor Road. Among the items stolen were groceries, household products, confectionery and £480 worth of electric toothbrushes. The total value of goods stolen was more than £790.

Gareth Todd, 41, of Brighton Road, Lewes, was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on May 18 for 11 shoplifting offences.

Todd stole meat, alcohol, dairy products, confectionery and household goods from stores in Portsmouth and Havant between September 2025 and May this year. The offences included repeated thefts from Co-op stores in Havant Road and St Albans Road, with goods worth more than £610 stolen in total.

Gary Thompson, 46, of Milton Road, Portsmouth, received a six-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months when he appeared before magistrates on May 26.

His seven offences took place between March and April and involved thefts of beer, wine, meat, soft drinks and other groceries from Co-op stores on Eastney Road, Copnor Road and Tangier Road. The stolen goods were valued at almost £145.

Anthony Sheppard, 35, of Nutfield Place, Portsmouth, was given a 16-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months when he appeared at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on June 2.

Sheppard committed seven shoplifting offences during April and May, targeting Co-op and Spar stores in New Road. He stole meats, cheeses, alcohol, ready meals, confectionery and other goods worth more than £790. He was also ordered to pay compensation of £290.35 to Southern Co-op and £501.76 to Spar.

In a separate case, Louis Dean, 34, of Landguard Road, Portsmouth, was sentenced to 36 weeks in prison on 17 June after admitting 34 shoplifting offences. He stole goods worth a total of £4,051.95 from stores across Portsmouth.

PC Nigel Evans, of the Portsmouth Central Team, said: “As demonstrated by these offenders, shops are being targeted daily, often multiple times in the same day, by criminals who cause misery for businesses and their employees.

“Their behaviour not only causes financial loss for the businesses, but is also often accompanied by violence and abuse directed at those who work in the stores.

“We will continue to deal with shoplifters robustly and put them before the courts to face justice for their crimes.

“Please continue to report incidents of shoplifting to us, as this helps us build a stronger picture of prolific offenders and hot-spot areas for crime.”