A persistent thief has been banned from going into any shop with a bag for the next two years.
Ryan Heathcote targeted the Co-op, Aldi, and Lidl in Gillingham, and Primark in Chatham between May 7 and May 22.
Whisky, meat, cheese, confectionery, cleaning products, and clothing were placed in a bag before he left the premises without paying.
On August 4, police arrested him, and he was charged with five thefts.
Two days later, Heathcote, of Centenary Gardens, Gillingham, pleaded guilty to all the offences at his initial appearance before Medway Magistrates’ Court.
The 37-year-old was jailed for 16 weeks and ordered to compensate the victims.
On his release, he will be subject to a criminal behaviour order for two years that bans him from entering any shop while in possession of a bag.
Inspector Jason Szarek said: “Our neighbourhood officers know Heathcote and were quick to arrest him when he was spotted in Gillingham town centre.
“We are determined to protect our retailers from thieves like him and, on his release from prison, the conditions of a criminal behaviour order should restrict his offending.
“Should he breach these conditions and be seen in a shop with a bag or holdall, he will be swiftly detained and taken back before the court to answer for his actions”.
