Prolific shoplifter banned from every shop in Clacton town centre

Christopher Fisher, 43, of Hayes Road, Clacton, admitted four counts of theft and one count of attempted theft when he appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court.

He admitted stealing vodka from Morrisons, in Old Road, whisky from Sainsbury’s, in High Street, and attempted to steal a cordless drill from B&Q, at Brook Retail Park, earlier this month.

He also stole food from the Co-op store, in Old Road, on July 4 and left without paying.

Security staff challenged him and he was arrested on suspicion of theft.

He was sentenced to a total of 16 weeks in prison and ordered to pay a £122 victim surcharge.

Fisher was also made subject of a criminal behaviour order for two years.

It bans him from entering shops in Clacton town centre, Clacton Pier and the Waterglade Retail Park.

He is also banned from the town's Sainsbury’s, Co-op and Asda.

The court heard Fisher has been convicted of 15 theft offences in total this year.

Police community support officer Matt Ladkin said: “We applied for the criminal behaviour order because Fisher’s prolific offending has a detrimental impact on our retail community in Clacton.

“This is part of the work that is happening to help combat crime and anti-social behaviour in the town centre.”

Graham Webb, chairman of the Clacton Town Partnership, added: “Anything that both prevents and deters shoplifting in the town has to be welcomed.”

A spokesman for the East of England Co-Op said: “Persistent theft can have far-reaching effects.

“As a community retailer, we place great importance on protecting not only our own assets, customers and colleagues, but also the wider community.

“All Co-op stores are monitored 24/7 from a state-of the-art Alarm Receiving Centre.

“Supported by a specialist theft team with expertise in building cases, we have increased the number of custodial sentences being issued.

“After working closely with Essex Police, we are pleased to have seen a positive outcome in this case.”