A PROLIFIC shoplifter who targeted stores across Christchurch and Bournemouth has been jailed.

Jack Alexander Barnes, aged 24, of Burton Road, Christchurch, appeared at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, June 7, after admitting 15 theft offences as well as a public order offence, criminal damage and attempted theft from a shop.

Barnes was handed a 15-week jail term.

A 12-week suspended sentence imposed on May 14, 2018, for theft and other offences was also activated, taking the total sentence to 27 weeks.

The thefts happened between Monday, April 30, 2018, and Wednesday, June 6, 2018.

Stores targeted included Tesco Express in Tuckton, Christchurch Road in Bournemouth and Barrack Road in Christchurch as well as Co-Operative, One Stop, Londis, Aldi and Waitrose stores in Christchurch and Phillips News in Christchurch Road in Boscombe.

On nine occasions, Barnes stole bottles of wine. He also stole steaks, tobacco and chocolate bars.

On Wednesday, June 6, the defendant was sat in the car park of the bowls club at King’s Park in Boscombe and when two women asked if he was alright, he responded by being aggressive and abusive toward them.

He also admitted causing criminal damage to an electric door at HSBC bank in High Street, Christchurch, on Wednesday, May 23.

Police Constable Dave Buchanan, of Boscombe police, said: “Jack Barnes is a prolific shoplifter whose offending has caused considerable inconvenience to the stores he has targeted and has also caused concern for residents in the areas where he is offending.

“Our neighbourhood policing teams are committed to working with our local partners to ensure offenders such as Barnes are brought to justice and preventative action is put in place to try and stop them committing further offences when they are released from prison.”