Prolific Ringwood shoplifter Quincy Hopkins jailed for stealing hundreds of pounds of meat from three local stores

STEALING hundreds of pounds of meat from three stores saw a Ringwood shoplifter jailed for 16 weeks.

Quincy Hopkins (26), of Queensway, was sent down after being convicted at Southampton Magistrates’ Court of nine thefts between 15th August and 22nd September.

The court heard the defendant targeted Tesco Express at Poulner, Morrisons Daily on Hightown Road and Budgens on Poplar Road in his theft spree.

He admitted seven of the charges, and pleaded guilty to the two Budgens offences.

The Bench ruled the offences were so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified.

Highlighting the defendant’s failure to engage with probation on previous orders, magistrates did not believe there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation. He also had previous convictions for similar offences.

Hopkins was also ordered to pay a £154 surcharge to help fund victim support services, but compensation was deemed inappropriate due to the prison sentence.

Sgt Chris Pell, of Ringwood & Fordingbridge neighbourhood policing team, welcomed the sentence.

“His shoplifting has affected many businesses in our area,” he said.

“As a team, we will always do everything we can to make sure those who commit crime in the Ringwood area are held accountable for their actions.

“This sentencing should send a clear message to others who are thinking about stealing from the businesses in our area.

“It will not be tolerated and we will work hard to bring you before the courts, where you will face the consequences.”

Sgt Pell urged people to continue reporting shoplifting offences to enable officers to take action.

Reports can be made via hampshire.police.uk or by calling 101.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously via crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111.