A prolific shoplifter stole meat, baby milk and dishwasher tablets during a £1,000 crime spree.

Linton Woolley targeted shops in Worthing, Lancing, East Preston and Sompting including the Co-op in Test Road, Sompting, Co-op in Plaza Parade, Worthing, Co-op in South Street, Lancing, Co-op, Nelson Road in Durrington and One Stop, North Lane in East Preston over several weeks.

Woolley stole a variety of products, including meat, cheese, dishwasher tablets, baby milk and wine.

The 35-year-old, of no fixed address, was charged with 28 counts of shoplifting for offences between October 13 and December 5.

He appeared before Crawley Magistrates’ Court on Monday, December 11, where he pleaded guilty to all offences and was sentenced to 18 weeks imprisonment. He was also ordered to pay £154.

PC Jamie Sanderson, of the Adur, Worthing and Horsham Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Woolley is well known for his previous history of shoplifting in the area.

“Our relentless pursuit of our most prolific offenders has resulted in yet another one receiving a custodial sentence, offering some respite for our business community who have suffered loss at the hands of persistent offenders.

“Many of these are now behind bars, which has reduced offending during the festive period when the retail world would usually see a spike in acquisitive crime.”