A prolific shoplifter has been banned from three Basildon stores for two years after stealing thousands of pounds worth of goods.

Brett Bruce, from Basildon, has been issued with a criminal behaviour order (CBO) by Chelmsford Magistrates after he was convicted of stealing almost £3,800 worth of goods.

The 32-year-old is now prohibited from entering BP in East Mayne, and Tesco Express and Morrisons Daily, both in Felmores End.

The court was told on September 17 that Bruce, of Malyons Close, stole £3,794.64 worth of goods from various shops in the town, on multiple occasions, between February 12, 2024, and April 1, 2024.

He was identified on April 1 when stealing £500 worth of perishable goods from BP in Nether Mayne. Police say he was then arrested in Devlins later that day.

PC Alex Plakhtienko, from the Business Crime Team, applied to the court for Bruce’s Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

He said: “We don’t tolerate prolific and violent offenders who cause harm to businesses or their staff.

“CBOs are designed to tackle the most serious and persistent anti-social individuals.

"It is an offence to breach them and courts can impose a jail term or a fine, or both, for an adult convicted of breaching them.

PC Plakhtienko encouraged retailers to report shop thefts, assaults on staff, and related anti-social behaviour to the police, and to provide evidence such as CCTV footage where possible.

He added: "We encourage retailers to report shop thefts, assaults on staff and related anti-social behaviour to us and to provide us with evidence, such as CCTV footage, where they can.

"We will always look to prosecute where we have the evidence to do so."

To report, visit www.essex.police.uk/ro. Always ring 999 if a crime is in progress.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent crimefighting charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.