A STAPLE Hill man who repeatedly stole from shops in Downend has been jailed as part of a crackdown on prolific shoplifters.
Lee Varga, aged 40, was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison at Bristol Magistrates Court in December after he pleaded guilty to 11 thefts from Downend supermarkets.
He is one of five shoplifters in South Gloucestershire and Bristol who police say are responsible for more than 30 offences in recent months. All have been made subject to criminal behaviour orders as part of their sentences.
The orders have conditions ordering the thieves to stay out of the shops they have targeted, with penalties for breaching them. The aim is to protect the shops and reduce the chances of the shoplifters re-offending.
Varga’s CBO lasts for three years.
South Gloucestershire Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Barny Mabbett said: “We are working hard with our communities to try to tackle shoplifting and business crime.
“The impact of some criminality can be huge to retailers.
“These offenders are well known to local businesses, and we hope the CBOs will not only prevent further shoplifting offences and reduce harm within our communities, but encourage people to report such offences so appropriate action can be taken.”