A PROLIFIC shoplifter has been jailed and banned from entering shops in Southend and Westcliff for two years after thefts involving more than £1,600 goods.

James Coleman, a 34-year-old of York Road, Southend, admitted 15 counts of theft from a shop involving more than £1,600 of goods.

After appearing at Southend Magistrates’ Court on March 13, Coleman was jailed for a total of 28 weeks, ordered to pay £914.40 compensations, and issued with a two-year criminal behaviour order.

This forbids him to enter co-op stores in Sutton Road, Southend, and London Road, Westcliff.

Coleman previously failed to appear at court on February 27 to answer nine charges, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Six days later officers spotted him in Southend High Street, arresting him again, before he was then subsequently charged with another six thefts.

PC Glen Foote, of the business crime team, said Coleman had a long history of offending and had continued stealing while on bail.

He said: “The cost of shoplifting affects everyone, whether it’s the retail staff, the business itself or customers who may suffer higher prices as a result.

“In this instance, Coleman’s behaviour caused shop staff to feel fear and intimidation. This is unacceptable and something which Essex Police will not tolerate.

“Southend Local Policing Team conducted a thorough investigation and we then worked with them to get this court order, to protect the stores for a significant period.

“Criminal behaviour orders are designed to deter re-offending and address specific victimisation. We will not hesitate to apply to the courts to have them applied where necessary.”

Coleman stole more than £1,600 of alcohol, chocolate, tobacco, men’s clothing, laundry products and toiletries from Co-op and Matalan stores in Sutton Road, Southend; Boots in Hamlet Court Road, Southend; Waitrose stores in Eastern Avenue, Southend, and London Road, Westcliff; and the BP store, also in London Road, Westcliff.