Prolific Trowbridge shoplifter jailed for 32 weeks and banned from multiple supermarkets

A prolific shoplifter who stole hundreds of pounds worth of goods from supermarkets across Trowbridge has been jailed for 32 weeks and handed a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order.

Simon Parker, 42, of no fixed address in Trowbridge, appeared at Swindon Magistrates' Court on 31 October, where he was sentenced to 32 weeks in prison.

The court also issued Parker with a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), restricting his access to a number of shops and commercial premises.

Between July and October, Parker stole hundreds of pounds worth of groceries and other products from supermarkets across Trowbridge.

The stolen goods included meat joints, tubs of ice cream, washing products, magazines and children's toys.

The shops targeted included Co-op, Tesco and Asda.

One of the incidents took place on 24 October when Parker entered Lidl on Canal Road and filled a bag with meat joints and steaks worth approximately £300 before leaving without paying.

An off-duty police officer raised the alarm and attempted to detain Parker, but he managed to flee the scene.

Under the conditions of his Criminal Behaviour Order, Parker is prohibited from entering any Co-op store in Trowbridge, Melksham or Bradford on Avon.

He is also banned from entering any Tesco or Sainsbury's store in Trowbridge, any shop within The Shires shopping centre, and any Marks & Spencer store.

The order further requires him to leave any commercial premises immediately if asked to do so by staff or security.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Charly Chilton said the outcome was positive news for local business owners who had been affected by the repeated shoplifting.

She said Parker had continued to show a total disregard for the law by entering shops, filling bags with goods and making no attempt to pay.

Sgt Chilton added that Wiltshire Police take retail crime seriously and would continue working with retailers to identify and target prolific offenders.

The sentence and restrictions are intended to help protect local businesses and reduce further incidents of retail crime across the area.