Two shoplifters have been jailed after they stole items worth more than £340 from a store in Hook.

Martin Donovan, 32, and Patrick Donovan, 25, from Oxford Road, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, stole toiletries, razors and nicotine gum from the Sainsbury’s store in Hook.

The incident took place on 5 December 2023 and the stolen items were worth a total of £343.60.                                                                                 

Officers launched an investigation and arrested the pair. They were charged with theft from a shop and pleaded guilty at Winchester Crown Court.

The pair were also charged with theft from a shop following a report of shoplifting in Bolton, Greater Manchester. They also pleaded guilty.

They were sentenced at the same court last week (Monday 13 January). Martin Donovan was jailed for a total of 24 months, while Patrick was jailed for a total of 20 months.

PC Chalin Green, from Northern CID, said: "Our message is clear – shoplifting will not be tolerated.

"Martin and Patrick Donovan brazenly stole items from a shop in Hook and following a thorough investigation, they were arrested and charged.

"We take all reports of shoplifting seriously. Shoplifting has a huge impact on shop owners as they will have to recover costs which have been lost.

"This results in shops typically increasing prices, which has a huge impact on the wider public.

"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."