A man has been jailed for 28 weeks after he stole items worth more than £850 from stores in Fleet, Church Crookham and Aldershot.

Stephen Shanahan, 34, of no fixed abode, stole coffee, meat, chocolate, alcohol and beauty products between 2 September and 30 September.

The items were taken from Sainsbury’s in Fleet, Home Bargains in Church Crookham and the Co-op on Lower Farnham Road in Aldershot. The items were worth a combined total of £863.50.

Shanahan was arrested and later charged with seven counts of theft from a shop.

He pleaded guilty to all offences and was jailed for 28 weeks at Basingstoke Magistrates Court on Friday 25 October.

PC Neve Fitzgerald, from the Fleet Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Stephen Shanahan’s shoplifting has affected many businesses in our area.

“As a team, we will always do everything we can to make sure those who commit crime in the Fleet area are held accountable for their actions.

“This sentencing should send a clear message to others who are thinking about stealing from the businesses in our area.

“It will not be tolerated and we will work hard to bring you before the courts, where you will face the consequences.”

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.