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A prolific shoplifter from Hastings has been jailed and handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) after being convicted of a series of thefts across Sussex.
Karl Williams, 41, of Stonehouse Drive, Hastings, was arrested on Sunday, 13 July, following a shop theft incident. When he appeared before Brighton Magistrates’ Court the next day, he was charged with 11 additional offences and sentenced for previous thefts and bail breaches.
Williams pleaded guilty to multiple counts of shop theft targeting local retailers and was jailed for 16 weeks.
His case is part of Operation Apprentice – a Sussex Police initiative targeting the most prolific shoplifters in collaboration with business crime reduction partnerships across the county.
The court also granted a Criminal Behaviour Order aimed at curbing his repeat offending. The CBO includes the following conditions:
He must not remain on any retail premises in Sussex if asked to leave by staff or security
He is banned from entering Co-op, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Poundland stores
He must not enter any retail premises wearing a face covering
Inspector Matt Chapman said:
“We are committed to bringing prolific offenders to justice and protecting local businesses from ongoing theft and disruption.
I would like to thank all our partners but, most importantly, the businesses affected by shoplifting, for supporting investigations and providing vital evidence that allows us to take action.”
