One-year prison sentence for 'prolific shoplifter' Liberty Cooper who stole meat and pet products in Blackfield and Totton

A PROLIFIC shoplifter stole almost £200 of meat and pet products when he targeted three stores in as many weeks.

Liberty Cooper (49), of Ashby Road, Totton, pleaded guilty to three counts of theft from a shop, relating to offences committed at locations in the town and Blackfield between 27th June and 16th July, when he appeared at Salisbury Crown Court.

The prosecution said Cooper’s spree began when he was seen entering a Tesco Express in Hampton Lane, Blackfield.

Having put £100 of meat in a basket, he promptly left without paying.

The defendant’s offending continued on 13th July when he took a harness valued at around £40 from a pet store in Totton Retail Park.

Then, three days later, he was seen stealing flea tablets worth almost £40 from a Ringwood Road pet shop.

Welcoming the 12-month sentence, acting police Sgt Richard Diggins said: “Cooper was a prolific shoplifter, who survived on committing these crimes until we were able to apprehend him and put a stop to his offending.

“Theft of any kind can cause untold issues for those businesses, whose livelihoods can be significantly impacted by this type of crime.

“We hope that this shows communities across Hampshire that thieves like Cooper will face justice.”