A PROLIFIC shoplifter who stole more than £750 worth of goods from Plymouth shops in just over a month has been jailed and banned from hundreds of stores across Devon and Cornwall.

Harleigh Chown, 29, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison after admitting 11 counts of shoplifting at Plymouth Magistrates' Court on October 13.

His offending spree ran from September 3 to October 12, with Co-op and Tesco stores repeatedly targeted.

The stolen goods included energy drinks, alcohol and confectionery, with the total value exceeding £750.

Alongside his prison sentence, Chown was handed a two-year criminal behaviour order (CBO) designed to prevent him from repeating his offending when released.

The restrictions are extensive, banning him from entering any of the more than 900 businesses signed up to Plymouth Against Retail Crime (PARC).

He is also prohibited from entering any Co-op or Morrisons Daily store anywhere in Devon and Cornwall.

The order further requires Chown to leave any retail premises immediately if an employee asks him to go, returning any goods he has selected before leaving.

Breaching the conditions could land him back behind bars.

Police Inspector Paul Laity said Chown had shown little regard for the consequences of his actions.

“He had no consideration of the impact his behaviour was having on local businesses, their employees or the wider community,” he said.

“Shoplifting is not a victimless crime. I hope this sends a clear message that shoplifting will not be tolerated and that we are making Plymouth a hostile place for offenders to operate in.”

Inspector Laity said police were continuing to work with retailers and other partners to gather evidence and bring persistent offenders before the courts.

He urged businesses and members of the public to report suspected crime, adding that information from the community was vital in helping officers take action.

Anyone who witnesses a crime can report it online or contact Devon and Cornwall Police on 101.