A Christmas tree thief who stole £2,300 of items has been banned from every Tesco store in Kent for two years.

Tommy Robertson, of London Road, shoplifted repeatedly from stores in Tunbridge Wells between July 10, 2023, and April 24, 2024.

The 58-year-old targeted retail outlets, including Fenwicks, Boots, The Perfume Shop, Tesco, Poundland and Hoopers.

Robertson entered stores on nine separate occasions and stole designer clothing and sunglasses, fragrances, baby clothes, Christmas trees, toys and smart watches, with a combined value believed to exceed £2,300.

On May 28, Robertson appeared before Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court where he was banned from stores in Tunbridge Wells for two years.

He was also banned from entering any Tesco store in Kent for the same duration.

In additional to his shoplifting offences, Robertson was charged for his involvement in the theft of a bicycle from Vale Road on August 4, 2023.

PS Daniel Bartlett, of Kent Police’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team, said: “Robertson is a repeat offender who persistently targets businesses in the town centre and becomes aggressive and abusive when challenged.

“The criminal behaviour order recognises the impact of his behaviour on his victims as well as the local community who live and work in the area.

“The ban also aims to stop his crime sprees which can affect the ability of some shops to trade profitably, and thus lead to increased prices.

“Kent Police takes all reports of shoplifting seriously and we encourage businesses owners to report incidents so that we can respond promptly and bring offenders to justice.”