Prolific shoplifter jailed – Slough

Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been jailed for shoplifting offences in Slough.

Luke Betts, aged 36, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to four counts of shoplifting and one count of breach of a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) in a hearing at Reading Crown Court on Monday (9/9).

Betts received a CBO and a Serious Violence Reduction Order (SVRO) on 5 June this year. As part of his criminal behaviour order, Betts is prohibited from:

• Entering Scafell Road, Slough, Berkshire;
• Entering any Co-op food store in England and Wales;
• Entering any Morrison's or Morrison's Daily Store in England and Wales;
• Entering any premises that has served a banning notice on him;
• Placing any item for sale in anything other than a shopping basket prior to payment being made;
• Concealing any item for sale on his person at any retail premises;
• Concealing his face or head when entering any retail premises.

Between 28 June and 5 July this year, Betts entered businesses on four occasions on Bath Road, Slough, and stole meat and alcohol.

Betts was arrested on 9 July and was charged the following day.

Investigating officer PC Abdullah Rafie, of Slough’s neighbourhood team, said: “Luke Betts is a prolific offender and he has caused a detrimental impact on local businesses.

“He was issued a CBO which gives police an additional power of arrest for any breach and reflects the local police’s positive action to tackle shoplifters.

“I am very pleased that Betts has been handed a custodial sentence, and hope his time behind bars gives him time to reflect on the crimes he has committed.

“We will take robust action to deal with anyone involved in criminality in Slough to keep our communities safe.”

AP