A prolific shoplifter who was wanted for a series of thefts in shops across Essex has been jailed for 16 weeks.

Clint Wallace, 45, of Groveway, Dagenham was caught in Brentwood High Street on Monday (April 22) by an Essex Police officer who was aware of his outstanding offences.

Wallace appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court the next day (April 23) where he admitted being responsible for seven shop thefts across Brentwood and a public order offence in a Witham store that were committed by him between February 3 and April 19.

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The court heard that Wallace had entered Superdrug store in Brentwood High Street three times and stolen toothbrushes and electrical beauty items even after he was banned from doing so.

In another Superdrug store in Witham, Essex, Wallace had threatened a staff member after being asked to leave as he was also banned from coming into that shop.

At Shadworth Pharmacy in Ingatestone High Street, Wallace had stolen 31 lipsticks and nicked lunch items, beauty products and medicines twice from a nearby Co-op outlet.

In addition, he was also found to have shoplifted two bottles of perfume at New Pharmacy in Brentwood High Street.

As well as being jailed for 16 weeks, the court ordered Wallace to pay a £154 in victim surcharge.

Investigating officer Sergeant Jade Harrison said after the hearing:

“Shop theft isn’t a victimless crime and retail staff and customers can be affected by the behaviour of some shoplifters.

“We don’t tolerate shoplifting or any associated abuse or anti-social behaviour, so we encourage anyone who experiences it or sees it happening to report it to us.

“Where we have the evidence, we will always look to secure charges, but we need people’s help to provide us with that evidence".