A serial shoplifter who stole from shops in Harold Hill has been jailed.

Bradley Thomas, 37, of no fixed address, was sentenced at Barkingside Magistrates Court on Monday, April 4 after breaching a criminal behavioural order (CBO) and jailed for 12 weeks.

Thomas committed numerous shoplifting and burglary offences in 2021 and was banned from entering the Co-op and Boots shops in Farnham Road.

Farnham Road in Harold Hill has been regarded as a crime hot spot, deemed unsuitable for elderly people in October 2023.

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Police have since sought to tackle problems in the area, namely shoplifting, drug use and violence.

After his arrest, Thomas was issued with a CBO banning him from the stores and stopping him carrying any drugs or open bottles of alcohol.

But police said he breached the order, leading to his sentencing.

Insp Charlie Routley said: "This should send a clear message to those individuals who frequent Harold Hill solely with the intent to commit crime.

"We will utilise tactics [...] to ensure you are held to account for your actions."