A serial shoplifter who repeatedly targeted stores across Brighton and Hove has been jailed for 50 weeks following a months-long crime spree.
Jason Thorpe, 54, of no fixed address, admitted stealing high-value goods including electric toothbrushes, Jellycat soft toys, candles and health products from shops in Portslade, Hove and central Brighton.
Between 9 August and 28 October, Thorpe carried out at least 11 thefts, often walking into stores and leaving without attempting to pay. His offending began at a Tesco in Portslade, where he stole a £160 electric toothbrush. Police said he appeared to favour the item, returning to supermarkets throughout August to take similar products.
Thorpe also repeatedly targeted Bert’s Homestore in Hove, visiting on three separate occasions in August and September and leaving with armfuls of expensive Jellycat soft toys. Further incidents followed in October, including the theft of candles from the Neptune showroom in Hove and health products from Holland & Barrett in Brighton.
Officers linked the offences and identified Thorpe as the suspect, arresting him on 27 November. He was charged the following day with 11 counts of shop theft.
Appearing at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Saturday 29 November, Thorpe pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced the same day to 50 weeks in prison.
Leading the investigation, Detective Constable Timothy Carr-Dean said Thorpe showed “a clear pattern of offending” and caused significant disruption to local businesses.
“He repeatedly stole high-value items without any regard for the impact on businesses,” he said. “His actions caused financial loss, disruption to staff and frustration for those affected. I’d like to thank the stores involved for their cooperation while we brought this crime spree to an end.”
Add your first comment to this post