A repeat shoplifter who targeted multiple retail outlets in Burgess Hill and Crowborough has been sentenced to prison for his most recent offending spree, Sussex Police have confirmed.
Mark Vine, 48, of no fixed address, admitted a total of 19 charges when he appeared before Crawley Magistrates’ Court on 8 December. Between October and December this year, Vine repeatedly entered shops across the Mid Sussex area, stealing goods valued at several hundred pounds. His offending included multiple thefts of food and drink from stores such as Waitrose in Crowborough, where he stole meat and alcoholic spirits on at least five occasions, as well as offences at Boots, Bodel Bros Ltd, Lidl and Waitrose in Burgess Hill.
During one incident, Vine also assaulted a retail worker who challenged him inside a shop.
At sentencing, the court handed Vine an 18-week custodial sentence in recognition of the persistent nature of his offending and the impact on victims and local businesses.
Sergeant Ryan Oakley from the Mid Sussex Neighbourhood Policing Team said officers had made Vine a priority due to the repeated nature of his shop thefts and the distress caused to staff and customers. He emphasised that abuse and assault against retail workers would not be tolerated and highlighted the force’s ongoing work with partner agencies and retailers to tackle shoplifting crime in the community.
In addition to the theft charges, Vine admitted common assault, three counts of abstracting or using electricity without authority, and three counts of criminal damage.
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