A man has been sentenced after he stole items worth more than £320 from shops in Fleet.

Simon Dicks, 37, of New Barn Close, Fleet, stole meat worth £170 from Morrisons on 20 August.

He then stole alcohol worth £159.60 from Sainsbury’s on 19 September.

Officers launched an investigation and Dicks was arrested and later charged with two counts of theft from a shop.

He pleaded guilty to both offences and was sentenced at Basingstoke Magistrates Court on Monday 21 October.

Dicks was handed a 12-month community order, with a drug rehabilitation requirement. 

PC Neve Fitzgerald, from the Fleet Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Our team takes reports of shoplifting in Fleet extremely seriously.

“Simon Dicks’ actions had a huge impact on businesses, shop workers and the wider community. Our message is clear – shoplifting in Fleet will not be tolerated.

“We will deal with these matters seriously and will make all efforts to identify offenders and bring them before the courts.”

If you are a shop owner or staff member, please continue to report any shopliftings to us.

With your information, we can take action, including arresting and charging suspects and convicting offenders at court.

You can do this by calling 101, or by reporting online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website.

You can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.