A serial shoplifter has been handed a 30-week prison sentence and banned from every Aldi supermarket in an Essex district after stealing meat worth almost £800.
Details of the shoplifting spree
Matthew Jenkins, 44, was caught by officers from the Tendring Neighbourhood Policing Team following a string of thefts in early January. Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court was told that Jenkins targeted an Aldi store on Pier Avenue in Clacton-on-Sea.
Between 31 December and 5 January, he stole meat products with a total value of £782.96. The haul included high-value items such as premium wagyu steaks.
Jenkins also confessed to stealing £42 worth of fitness nutrition products from a nearby Boots store on 6 January. He pleaded guilty to four counts of shop theft on 7 January and was also found to be in breach of a pre-existing community order.
Court sentencing and consequences
The magistrates imposed a significant custodial sentence and additional restrictions designed to prevent further offending. Jenkins was sentenced to 30 weeks in prison.
As a key part of his punishment, the court issued a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO). This legally binding order prohibits him from entering any Aldi store within the Tendring district for the duration. He was also instructed to pay a £187 victim surcharge.
Police statement on retail crime
Neighbourhood officer PC Sam Jewell of Essex Police emphasised the impact of such crimes. "Shoplifting is not a victimless crime," he stated.
"Offenders’ behaviour can affect staff and customers in the shops they target. We have a duty to protect all victims of crime from repeat offenders."
PC Jewell explained the police strategy, adding: "One way we can do this is by applying to the courts for criminal behaviour orders which are designed to prevent their re-offending and having a future impact on retail staff." The police confirmed that Jenkins had a known history of previous offences.
