A GUNNISLAKE man has been jailed for 38 weeks after admitting 16 shop theft offences worth a total of £1,200.

David Knight, 45, of Rodda Close, appeared at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, (October 8), where he pleaded guilty to stealing from Morrisons, Co-op and Home Bargains between July and October this year.

He received a 38-week prison sentence, comprising 30 weeks for the shop theft offences and a further eight weeks activated after he breached the conditions of a suspended sentence.

Police said Knight’s offending had caused significant disruption in the area for several months, with evidence provided by local businesses helping officers build a case against him.

Inspector Paul Laity, who leads neighbourhood policing teams in Devonport and West Devon, thanked businesses for reporting incidents and supplying evidence.

He said: “Knight’s behaviour has caused disruption in the area for several months and this result demonstrates that when reports are made and evidence is presented, we are able to pursue prolific offenders and ensure justice is delivered.”

Retail crime remains a priority for Devon and Cornwall Police under the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, with officers targeting repeat offenders responsible for harming local communities.

Inspector Laity said police would continue working with businesses and Plymouth Against Retail Crime (PARC) to share information, gather evidence and carry out visible patrols in affected areas.

The partnership aims to identify offenders, prevent further thefts and deter criminal activity affecting shops and businesses.

Police are urging anyone with concerns about shop theft, crime or anti-social behaviour to report incidents by calling 101 or using the reporting forms on the Devon and Cornwall Police website.

Anyone witnessing a crime in progress or facing an emergency should call 999.