A PROLIFIC shoplifter was arrested, charged and imprisoned within 24 hours for stealing booze from a shop.

Unemployed Napthali Burke, 34, of Chancellor Road, Southend, was jailed for 20 weeks after the theft of two bottles of champagne, six bottles of Jack Daniels whiskey and a bottle of Smirnoff vodka worth a total of £180 from the Co-operative in Great Wakering High Street.

He was arrested by officers from the Castle Point and Rochford retail crime team on Friday, January 16, in Queensway, Southend after they identified him as being behind the theft.

He had been placed on a national database of shoplifters and was quickly identified as being responsible for the theft. After arresting Burke, he was charged on January 17, and then appeared at ChelmsfordMagistrates’ Court that day where he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison.

Det Sgt Carol Lione, of Rochford Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This is an excellent result for the retail team and delivers the message that positive action will be taken against shop lifting offenders.”

The offence broke the community order he was under for a string of other shop thefts, including a Dolce and Gabbana jacket worth £1,650 from Biscester Village outlet shopping centre in Oxford in July last year.

He was also under the order for six counts of stealing groceries worth more than £300 – from the Co-operative in Leigh, Co-operative in Canvey, three times in the Co-operative in Benfleet, as well as Tesco in Leigh between July and October last year.

Det Sgt Lione added: “The retail crime team in Castle Point and Rochford was formed just over a year ago. This is a small team of dedicated officers and PCSO’s who are very enthusiastic about their role.

“The team ensure the maximum amount of evidence is collated and documented correctly.

This investigation is an excellent example and also shows the importance we place on dealing with those who have no respect for the community we serve.

“He had no regard for the community order in place. Prolific repeat offenders are a menace to the stores whose day to day business is affected.

“Essex Police takes this offence seriously.”