Brazen Brighton Shoplifter Banned from Co-op and Jailed
Michael Murray, 33, from Brighton, has been locked up for 16 months after being caught red-handed stealing from local stores. The petty criminal, who racked up a shocking 33 theft charges, showed zero shame as he strolled into shops and helped himself to goods in broad daylight.
Repeated Thefts at Co-op and Hollister
Murray’s crime spree mainly targeted the Co-op on Whitehawk Road, where 31 thefts took place throughout 2022. He also stole twice from the Hollister store in Churchill Square.
He didn’t bother to hide his actions, often visiting the same shop multiple times a day. Staff caught him filling an empty carrier bag with meat products on CCTV—and he simply walked out without paying.
When confronted, Murray frequently lashed out with verbal and physical abuse, adding intimidation to his list of offences.
Ignored Community Order, Continued Stealing
Last November, Murray was slapped with a Community Protection Order banning him from the Whitehawk Road Co-op after other thefts. But he flouted the order repeatedly, brazenly returning to steal more items.
With a criminal record boasting 36 convictions for 124 offences, mostly thefts, Murray’s fate was sealed.
Court Sentence and Business Crime Crackdown
At Lewes Crown Court on February 25, Murray was handed a 16-month jail term plus a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order. The order bans him from all Co-op stores in Brighton and Hove, the ASDA in Brighton Marina, and the Churchill Square shopping centre.
Chief Inspector Andy Westwood praised the teamwork behind the conviction. “This conviction came about thanks to some really impressive teamwork between our neighbourhood policing, response officers, detectives, the Business Crime Team, and partners in the business community,” he said.
“Business crime like shoplifting has a big financial impact, but what’s often overlooked is the intimidation faced by shopworkers, especially when thefts are as brazen as Murray’s.”
Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne added: “This is a brilliant example of how our Business Crime Team is rooting out repeat offenders who steal, abuse staff, and scare customers. Brazen criminals like this won’t be tolerated in Sussex.”
She also highlighted the success of the Safer Sussex Business Partnership, aimed at boosting police response to shoplifting and protecting workers.
Murray’s jail term sends a clear message: shoplifters getting cocky in Brighton’s stores will face serious consequences.
