Lee Thompson, 44, stole from Tesco Express, in Kirkgate Street, Wisbech, between August 14 and 18.

He had also stolen from Boots, in Horsefair Shopping Centre, in Wisbech, on 2 May, and committed various offences in Norfolk.

Neighbourhood officers arrested Thompson at his home in John F Kennedy Court, in Wisbech, and on Tuesday (15 September) he appeared at Huntingdon Magistrates’ Court where he was jailed for 13 months.

The sentence included the activation of suspended sentences for similar offences. He was also ordered to pay £99.99 in compensation.

PC Imogen Hirniak, who investigated, said: “Retail crime is an issue the force remains dedicated to tackling, especially due to the impact it has on staff.

“I would like to thank those that do report retail crime to us, regardless of the value, as it allows us to identify those involved and put them before the courts.”