A habitual shoplifter, identified and apprehended, has now faced legal consequences for his actions.
Phillip Walker consistently targeted a Co-op store located on Blatchington Road in Hove over a two-month period this past summer.
Throughout this spree, the 39-year-old routinely pilfered alcohol and various items from the store, evading payment altogether.
His illicit activities accumulated to more than £1,800 worth of stolen goods across 30 documented incidents spanning from July to September of this year.
However, through a joint effort by the store’s team and the Sussex Police Business Crime Unit, Walker was identified as a priority for arrest.
On September 28, he was apprehended and subsequently charged with 30 counts of shop theft.
During his appearance at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on September 29, Walker, who lacked a fixed address, admitted to all the charges and was sentenced to six months in jail.
The court learned that his first offense occurred on July 7, with the last recorded on September 16.
Sussex Police’s Business Crime lead Christopher Neilson said: “We are working in partnership with the Co-op to identify suspects and prevent thefts.
“Thanks to evidence being uploaded, our Business Crime Team in the Investigation and Resolution Centre were able to build a strong case.
“It meant Walker was identified, arrested, and remanded to appear in court, where he then had no choice but to plead guilty.
“This case demonstrates our determination to catch offenders by working effectively in partnership with businesses.”
