Prolific Waterlooville shoplifter jailed after stealing shoes from TK Maxx

Carl Steven Stanhope, 37, of Robin Gardens in Waterlooville was jailed after stealing the shoes from TK Maxx in Wellington Retail Park on Hambledon Road. The theft occurred on Saturday, April 20 with Stanhope admitting to the offence at Portsmouth Magistrates Court on Wednesday, July 3.

The sentence of 18 weeks was passed as his plea activated a suspended sentence he had previously received for a spate of shoplifting offences committed between October 2023 and February of this year.

Sergeant Ellie Waller said “This sentence sends a clear message to thieves that we will not tolerate retail crime in Waterlooville and that we, and the courts, take these kinds of incidents very seriously.

“We will relentlessly pursue offenders and continue to work closely with commercial premises in the area to support the business community and the safety of their workers.”

The police have advised businesses to take the following steps to protect themselves and their workforce:

• Make sure staff are able to use any appropriate security equipment such as panic alarms.
• Make sure CCTV cameras are in good working order, the position provides the best possible coverage and they are serviced annually.
• Remind staff to report any suspicious activity to the manager or the police. Details should also be recorded and include: date, time, description of person.

If anyone sees any suspicious behaviour the police advise to contact them on 101 if it is not an emergency. Suspicious activity can also be reported online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website.