Guy Seabourne, 40, has been jailed for two months after pleading guilty to six counts of theft, following a two-day shoplifting spree in Abergavenny town centre.
Seabourne, of Mounton Road, Chepstow, targeted four stores in Abergavenny between November 2 and 4, stealing alcohol, food, a bobble hat and washing pods.
He appeared at Newport Magistrates' Court on Friday, November 6, where he admitted the offences.
Police response to repeat offending
Following the hearing, PC Aled Thompson of Gwent Police issued a warning to shoplifters, saying: "Theft is not a victimless crime and we know it is exceptionally dispiriting for retailers and staff to be targeted in this way by repeat offenders like Seabourne."
Thompson added: "Seabourne was on licence at the time he committed these offences and we will continue to pursue thieves like him who cause harm to our communities and make life a misery for business owners and staff in Abergavenny and beyond."
Call for partnership approach
The officer noted that creating safer town centres is a key part of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, and stressed that tackling retail crime cannot be achieved by policing alone.
"It depends on all partners playing their part by reporting incidents promptly, sharing quality evidence, and supporting local problem-solving activity," he said.
PC Thompson said part of the force's work to tackle shoplifting in Abergavenny includes providing security and crime prevention advice to businesses, and urged anyone affected by theft to report it to police.
"By working together, we can do even more to protect retail workers, support businesses, and make our communities safer," he concluded.
