A shoplifter banned from entering any Co-op store in Kent has been jailed after “brazenly” flouting the ban.
Jamie Hopkins repeatedly targeted a branch in Oldfield Place, Dartford, next to the Langley Square new homes development.
Jamie Hopkins, 40, has been jailed after pleading guilty to theft and breach of a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO). Picture: Kent Police
The 40-year-old was subject to a three-year court order issued in February 2023 that forbade him from going into several retail outlets in the town without permission from store staff.
He was also prohibited from going into any Co-op across the county unless the manager approved.
Despite this, Hopkins brazenly stole food and confectionery items from the store in Oldfield Place on three occasions between Wednesday, January 1 and Saturday, January 11.
Officers arrested Hopkins last Monday (January 13) and he was charged the same day with theft and breach of a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).
Hopkins pleaded guilty before Margate Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (January 21) and was immediately sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment.
He was sentenced at Margate Magistrates' Court to nine months’ imprisonment
He was previously in court back in 2022 after stealing chocolate and other goods from the town’s Sainsbury’s when he caused more than £350 of damage to a door as he legged it from the scene.
Last year Hopkins was jailed while acting alongside an accomplice after targeting Co-op stores in Dartford and Swanscombe.
Inspector Lee Cheesman said: “The CBO to which Hopkins is subject is in place to protect local businesses and the community.
“Now that Hopkins is behind bars, I hope it serves to remind would-be thieves that we take shoplifting very seriously and will always strive to bring them before the courts to face justice.”