Prolific Worthing shoplifter jailed for repeated theft offences

A prolific shoplifter has been jailed after admitting a series of thefts from retail stores across Worthing over a three month period. James Menghe, 38, was sentenced at Crawley Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to multiple shop theft offences and breaches of a Criminal Behaviour Order designed to prevent further offending.

The court heard that Menghe committed 11 shop theft offences between October and December, targeting supermarkets and convenience stores including branches of Sainsbury’s and the Co-op. Items stolen included alcohol, meat, laundry products and food, with several offences taking place at the same stores on repeated occasions.

Menghe, of Ivy Arch Road, Worthing, was arrested by officers from the Worthing Neighbourhood Policing team. He admitted eight breaches of his Criminal Behaviour Order and was sentenced to 50 weeks in prison, with police stating the custodial sentence was intended to prevent further offending and address concerns from local retailers and residents.

Image Credit: Sussex Police