A shoplifter has been jailed and handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) after he stole items worth more than £500 from stores in Aldershot.

Ryan Gibbs, 39, of no fixed abode, stole footwear, clothing and household items worth a total of £537.40 from Peacocks in the Wellington Centre and One Stop stores on Little Wellington Street and North Lane.

The incidents took place between 30 March and 12 April. Officers launched an investigation and charged Gibbs with seven counts of theft from a shop.

He appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates Court on Friday 25 April and pleaded guilty to all offences. Gibbs was jailed for a total of 16 weeks and handed the CBO, which will last for two years.

Under the terms of the order, he must leave any retail / business premises immediately when asked to do so. He has also been banned from entering Aldershot unless attending a pre-arranged appointment.

If he fails to comply with these conditions, he risks being arrested and prosecuted further.

Inspector Mike Hall, from the Aldershot Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We know that Ryan Gibbs’ actions have had a huge impact on businesses, shop workers and the wider community.

“Our officers take all reports of shoplifting extremely seriously and I hope this result reassures the local community that we will do all we can to put offenders before the courts.

“We will continue to take action and also explore other options – such as this CBO – to prevent further offending in the district.”

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. If a crime is in progress, please call 999.