Fareham shoplifter sentenced after multiple offences
HAMPSHIRE CONSTABULARY have announced that a serial shoplifter from Fareham has been officially sentenced to four months imprisonment after admitting to multiple offences in court; which involved thefts of fresh meats, coffee, and other items totalling hundreds of pounds were stolen from the ‘Co-Op’ shop based on Highlands Road early this month.
James Vincent Durber, of Hayes Close, was arrested following fast enquires carried out by the Neighbourhood Policing Team; the thirty year old male being charged with eight counts of theft that occurred over ten days from February 14 to 24. He was further charged with the single offence of using threatening or insulting words against a store staff member.
He was remanded in custody and appeared within ‘Portsmouth Magistrates Court’ on Monday (February 26), where he admitted to these charges. The judge sentenced Durber to a total of sixteen weeks in prison that was broken down into 12 weeks for the shoplifting offences and then four further weeks for the single offence against the Co-Op store worker.
Chief Inspector Chris Spellerberg stated online that “Shoplifting is not a victimless offence” and that the offence creates “an environment of fear for many retail workers.” Police have issued this guidance to local businesses about protection, which includes ensuring that staff can use safety equipment such as a panic alarm and using place-holders on shelves.
The force are encouraging any future or past victims of burglary and shoplifting to continue reporting all of these crimes to the police; which can be done using different methods. They can firstly submit details using the online reporting tools that are available on the Hampshire Police website, with official support and further guidance available on the link here.
Alternatively, readers can contact the “independent charity” Crimestoppers 100% anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 for absolutely free; or via their anonymous online forms which can be found through their website: https://orlo.uk/250kR
PICTURED BY HAMPSHIRE POLICE: Graphic used by force to show all court results including verdict and sentences.
