Portsmouth man jailed for 16 weeks after string of shoplifting offences across the region
Prolific shoplifter jailed after taking items worth £1,936.80
A Portsmouth man has been jailed for 16 weeks after “persistent and prolific” offending across the region.
Liam Barry Whittaker, 33, of Westerham Close, admitted to a string of thefts at Portsmouth Magistrates Court on Friday, May 29. He had stolen meat and alcohol from One-Stop, Co-Op, and Tesco Express Stores in Portsmouth, Havant, Waterlooville & Emsworth between March 21 and May 18.
Overall he took items worth £1,936.80 with police stating the sentence reflected the “seriousness” of the crimes.
Inspector Colin Webb from Waterlooville’s Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Shoplifting is not a victimless crime. This was a clear pattern of persistent and prolific offending across multiple locations, targeting local retailers and causing significant losses totalling nearly £2,000.
“This type of behaviour has a direct impact on businesses, staff, and the wider community, often leading to increased prices for customers.
“We welcome the custodial sentence imposed by the court, which reflects the seriousness of these offences and the ongoing harm caused. Waterlooville’s Neighbourhood Policing Team will continue to work closely with our retail partners to identify offenders, bring them before the courts, and protect our local businesses”.