A 40-year-old man has been jailed for 16 weeks and banned from all Co-op stores in Fareham after repeatedly stealing goods worth £765.
Repeat Offender Targeted Multiple Shops
James Durber, who has no fixed address, pleaded guilty to multiple theft charges at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 21 February. His shoplifting spree targeted several retailers, primarily stealing meat and household products.
The court heard that Durber committed the following offences:
- 12 December 2024: Stole £130 worth of goods from Boots in Westbury Mall.
- 18 December 2024: Stole £199.60 worth of meat from Co-op on Highlands Road.
- 8 February 2025: Stole £241.60 worth of meat from the same Co-op.
- 9 February 2025: Stole £127 worth of laundry products from the same Co-op.
- 16 February 2025: Stole £67 worth of meat from Co-op on Fairfield Avenue.
Criminal Behaviour Order Issued
In addition to his 16-week prison sentence, Durber was issued a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) to prevent further offences.
Under the terms of the CBO, Durber is:
? Banned from entering any Co-op food store in Fareham.
? Prohibited from entering retail premises unless he has the means to pay for goods or services.
? Required to leave any business or retail premises immediately if asked, without using aggressive or abusive language.
Any breach of these conditions could result in further arrest, prosecution, imprisonment, or fines.
Police Statement
PC Tom Pickup from the Fareham Neighbourhood Policing Team said:
“Retail staff work hard and should not have to deal with shoplifting, abuse, or anti-social behaviour while doing their jobs.
“Durber is a repeat offender who steals large quantities of goods, causing ongoing harm to businesses in Fareham.
“When shoplifting is reported, we make every effort to identify and arrest those responsible and use tools such as CBOs to prevent further offending.”
“While there are many reasons why individuals shoplift, often linked to addiction, we work with local services to provide support.
Police are encouraging the community to report business crime and anti-social behaviour so that appropriate action can be taken.
