A prolific shoplifter from West Sussex has become the first offender in the area to be fitted with a GPS Buddi tag as part of a new strategy to address repeat offending.
Daryl Hunt, 30, of no fixed address, admitted 13 shoplifting offences at Co-op stores in Worthing between November last year and March this year.
The offences took place at the Co-op in South Street, Tarring, where Hunt stole a range of goods including cheese, protein bars, washing powder, chocolate, burgers and sea bass.
Hunt appeared before Worthing Magistrates’ Court on August 17 and was handed a six-month suspended prison sentence.
He was also ordered to complete:
🔹 Six months of mental health treatment
🔹 30 rehabilitation activity requirement sessions
🔹 A three-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO)
The CBO bans Hunt from entering any Co-op store in West Sussex.
As part of the order, Hunt must also wear a Buddi GPS tag, allowing his movements to be monitored.
Hunt was fitted with the tag on August 19, becoming the first convicted offender in West Sussex to receive one following a successful pilot scheme in East Sussex.
What is a Buddi tag?
Under Operation STOP, repeat shoplifting offenders can be issued with discreet GPS ankle tags as part of a Criminal Behaviour Order.
The devices allow police to monitor movements in real time and can alert authorities if there are attempts to tamper with the tag or if conditions of the order are breached.
Inspector Chris Bryant/Martin Harmer said the scheme provides police with another tool to tackle prolific shoplifting and protect local businesses.
They said Sussex Police is “leading the way” with the scheme and will continue working with partners to tackle repeat offending.
