Prolific shoplifter jailed for 12 offences across West Sussex

A man has been jailed for 12 offences of shoplifting and burglary across West Sussex.

Andrew Lewis, 39, of no fixed address, has been jailed for 20 months after committing 10 shoplifting incidents and two burglaries which span from Tuesday, 8 August to Tuesday, 5 September.

Lewis is responsible for thousands of pounds worth of stock and items being stolen across West Sussex, with incidents taking place in Chichester, Bognor Regis and Worthing.

The businesses which were hit by Lewis were Sports Direct, Marks & Spencer, Cotswold Outdoor and Gold Arts in Chichester; B&M, Reeves & Sons Jewellers, Sports Direct, Premier and Iceland in Bognor; L Guess Jewellers in Littlehampton; and GA Jewellers in Worthing.

Lewis appeared before Lewes Crown Court on Monday, 16 October, where he was sentenced.

He was also handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) for five years.

Sergeant Sam Milsom said: “The court has dealt Lewis a robust sentence, especially when considering the level of his offending and his impact on the community. He had stolen over £18,000 worth of goods over the 12 offences.

“The CBO granted will surely aid officers in curbing his offending as now if he breaches his CBO, he can be sent straight to court.”