A prolific shoplifter banned from all Kent Co-op, Sainsbury’s and Tesco stores has been jailed after stealing £400 worth of goods.

Clive Tilley, has been sent to prison for a year after items including meat, confectionery, alcohol and cleaning products were stolen from Tesco in Sturdee Avenue and the Co-op in Canterbury Street in Gillingham.

Tilley was issued with a criminal behaviour order at Medway Magistrates’ Court on July 27 last year which prohibited him from entering any Co-op, Sainsbury’s or Tesco in the county.

Between Monday, April 29, and Friday, May 3, Tilley breached the conditions of the order while committing several shoplifting offences at two separate stores.

The value of the property taken was estimated to be around £400. The thefts were investigated and, on Friday, May 3, he was arrested by neighbourhood officers in the town centre.

Tilley, of no fixed address, was charged with seven thefts and seven breaches of the criminal behaviour order.

The 41-year-old pleaded guilty at his first hearing before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Monday, May 6, and was immediately jailed for a year.

Inspector Mick Hayes, of the Medway Community Safety Unit, said: “We are continuing our focus on retail crime as can be seen by the imprisonment of another prolific shoplifter.

“Our neighbourhood officers are aware of those who regularly offend on their beat and any who target local businesses should expect to be detained at an early stage.

“Investigators will then ensure they are charged and, where appropriate, placed before the court to answer for their conduct.”