A shoplifter has been jailed after targeting a city garage in Southend and stealing more than £4,000 of food and other groceries.

David Hill, 36, of no fixed address, was arrested on suspicion of shop theft on by a keen-eyed officer on November 4, 2024.

An officer from Southend's local policing team spotted him and took him into custody. He was also wanted on recall to prison.

The following day, at Southend Magistrates’ Court, he admitted 32 counts of shop theft.

Magistrates were told Hill had targeted the BP garage in West Road between between July 15, and October 28, 2024, often twice a day.

This comes as Essex Police continue their crackdown on shoplifters after making more than 1,000 arrests for shop theft so far this year.

Officers have also secured a total of 1,733 shop theft charges in that time.

PC Glen Vincent, of Southend Local Policing Team, says: “Our officers know many of the local offenders here and many of the arrests they make happen because they recognise someone in the street who is wanted.

“Hill was near the police station when he was seen so it was a very quick trip to custody for him.

“Our case at court was strengthened by the quality of the CCTV footage and witness statements we submitted.

“Hill stole a significant amount of goods. We take shoplifting very seriously and our team is working with retailers, other businesses and residents across our city to help make it a safer place for everyone to live, work and visit.

“We want to send a clear message to offenders that this behaviour will not be tolerated in Essex.”

Hill was jailed for a total of 12 weeks and ordered to pay £500 compensation.