A MAN has been jailed after items worth more than £850 including chocolate and coffee were stolen from stores across Hampshire.

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

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

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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, October 25.

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.”

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary urged shop owners and staff members to 'continue to report any shoplifting to us', adding: "With your information, we can take action.

"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."