Repeat thief banned from Waitrose caught red-handed again!
James Purnell’s £1,500 shoplifting spree
Between August and December 2022, James Purnell struck Waitrose three times. He stole booze, electronic toothbrushes, and a range of food products worth over £1,500. Despite two more trips to the supermarket, this time Purnell fled empty-handed when staff confronted him.
He ignored a five-year ban
Purnell wasn’t a stranger to the law. On November 12, 2020, Croydon Magistrates slapped him with a Criminal Behaviour Order. It banned him from all Waitrose and Little Waitrose stores across Greater London, Surrey, Sussex, and Kent for five years.
Snapped and sent to prison
Defying the order, Purnell got caught at a Waitrose in January 2023. The 39-year-old from Penge was charged with three counts of theft and five of breaching the ban. Just days later, he was locked up for 12 months after pleading guilty at Medway Magistrates’ Court.
Police hit back at shoplifting menace
“Purnell is a prolific offender who completely disregarded the Criminal Behaviour Order restrictions imposed by the court,” said PC Dan Lovelock.
“His crimes have a significant impact on local businesses, and it is entirely appropriate that his dishonourable behaviour has resulted in a prison sentence.”
