One of Britain’s most prolific shoplifters, Jamie Brown, who has 362 offences on his record, told staff 'F*** off, I’m taking these' as he walked out of an Iceland supermarket with five lamb chops. The 37-year-old, with a criminal career spanning 23 years, had already committed 221 theft offences before his latest sprees.
Details of the thefts
Brown, currently behind bars for shoplifting, faced six further shop theft charges. He stole from Aldi in North Shields, Heron Foods in Ashington, Iceland in Ashington, and Co-op stores in Whitley Bay and Bedlington. The stolen items included alcohol, meat, butter, and laundry products totalling more than £275.
On one occasion, Brown entered Heron Foods, took 10 packs of Lurpak butter, and refused to return them when challenged. Moments later, he went into Iceland and helped himself to five lamb chops.
Court proceedings
Brown, formerly of Ashington, pleaded guilty to six counts of shop theft at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court. Prosecutor Jasmine Dodd said the offences occurred between December 2025 and May 2026, and all were captured on CCTV.
The court heard Brown, who appeared via video link from prison, already owed £6,653.67 in court costs. Mitigating, Paul Dunn said there were plans for rehabilitation and that Brown would have accommodation upon release. Dunn added: 'I'm told he will have accommodation when he is released and Mr Brown wants to start making changes to his life.'
Impact and campaign
Magistrates adjourned sentencing until September 24, when prosecutors will seek a Criminal Behaviour Order against Brown. The Express’ Stop The Shoplifters campaign advocates tougher sentencing, noting that 10% of serial shoplifters account for 70% of thefts, costing retailers £2.2bn annually.
