A prolific shoplifter from Worthing has been banned from entering a number of major retail stores across Sussex following his latest appearance in court.
Nathan Lee, 48, of Ivy Arch Road, Worthing, appeared before Worthing Magistrates’ Court where he admitted nine offences, including a series of shop thefts and the theft of a bicycle. His offending took place between July and November and spanned several locations across West Sussex.
The court imposed an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, along with a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO). The order bans Lee from entering a range of stores across Sussex, including Co-op, Sainsbury’s, B&M, Robert Dyas and Marks & Spencer. He was also ordered to complete 25 rehabilitation activity requirement sessions aimed at addressing the causes of his offending.
The offences included the theft of around £200 worth of medicines from a Boots store in Littlehampton, packs of chicken stolen from a BP service station, and a bicycle taken from outside Waitrose in Hove. Further thefts involved household and retail items such as washing products, a vacuum cleaner, a jacket and Blu-ray discs from stores including Co-op, B&M Bargains, Robert Dyas and HMV in Worthing and surrounding areas.
Despite the Criminal Behaviour Order being in place, Lee breached the conditions twice in December by entering a Co-op store on Rowlands Road, Worthing. He was remanded in custody ahead of the hearing and was fined for the breaches, in addition to being ordered to pay court costs and a victim surcharge.
Sussex Police said repeat shoplifting causes significant disruption to retailers and staff, as well as financial losses for businesses. Officers said they continue to work closely with local retailers and partner agencies to tackle persistent offenders and encouraged incidents of shop theft to be reported.
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