A PROLIFIC shoplifter has been jailed after more than 30 incidents of theft in Westcliff.

Christopher French, 34, of no fixed abode, was suspected of several shoplifting offences in Westcliff.

He reportedly targeted the BP garage in West Road, and the Sainsburys in Hamlet Court Road.

Essex Police say all the offences took place between November 2023 and January 2024.

Following an altercation with a member of staff at Sainsburys, French was arrested on January 18, charged, and appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court the following day.

He then pleaded guilty to 34 counts of theft, two counts of common assault and one public order offence.

French has been sentenced to 17 weeks in prison, as well as being given a three-year criminal behaviour order.

The criminal behaviour order bans him from entering an BP and Sainsburys in Essex.

Sgt Stephen Wells said: “Shoplifting can have a huge impact on the staff of stores it affects, and often occurs alongside anti-social behaviour or assaults.

“We want our high streets to be safe for visitors and shop workers which is why we are targeting the individuals responsible for repeated thefts by applying for CBOs and limiting their ability to reoffend.

“French now faces a lengthy ban from these establishments and will face a further prison sentence if he breaches this court order.”

French was previously jailed for three months in March 2022 after being charged with five counts of theft after stealing from a Sainsbury's Local store in Westcliff.

He stole a 40p Cadbury's Creme Egg, before returning the next day to take another, along with some mini cheese.

French came back the next day to steal a bottle of water and an apple and returned twice more in the following days to take some cakes and beers.

In April 2021, French was jailed for 16 weeks after he went on a shoplifting spree taking cooked chickens and face masks.

He carried out his spree over five separate days.