Waterlooville shoplifter jailed after stealing from Hampshire Asda, One Stop and Co-op stores in four-month crime spree

By Joe Buncle
Published 10th Aug 2023, 14:32 BST
Updated 10th Aug 2023, 14:39 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
A prolific shoplifter who stole from 15 retailers in less than four months has been jailed for a year.

The thief – Michael Chandler, 38, of Kite Close in Waterlooville – stole a range of food, alcohol and electrical appliances during the spree. He targeted shops in Waterlooville, Denmead and Cowplain, causing damage to one of them. He also failed to answer bail on two seperate occassions, according to a Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesperson. He was sentenced at Portsmouth Magistrates Court on Monday, August 7.

NOW READ: Southsea man arrested on suspicion of burglary after he broke into for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary police station

Chandler admitted to stealing products including bottles of alcohol, razors, two vacuum cleaners, and a TV, from Asda in Waterlooville between 17 August and 26 November 2022. In addition he damaged a plastic screen at WH Smith in Waterlooville on 22 May this year.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
Michael Chandler, from Waterlooville, has been jailed for a year following a shoplifting spree.Michael Chandler, from Waterlooville, has been jailed for a year following a shoplifting spree.
Michael Chandler, from Waterlooville, has been jailed for a year following a shoplifting spree.

He also admitted stealing alcohol, meat, and other groceries from the One Stop on Hart Plain Avenue in Waterlooville, and the Co-Op stores in Denmead and Cowplain between 24 May and 12 July this year.

NOW READ: Bournemouth stabbing: Trial date set for Southsea man charged with murdering 18-year-old at sea resort

Sergeant Eleanor Waller from Waterlooville’s Neighbourhood Policing Team said: ”This court result sends a clear message to opportunistic thieves that this kind of behaviour won’t be tolerated. We’re working closely with local businesses, both big and small, to make sure that incidents are reported to us and that we can take action wherever possible, especially against repeat offenders.

"These types of crimes matter to our local communities and our relentless pursuit of criminals will continue so that we can address their concerns”.

If you witness a crime, you can call 999 and submit information through the Hampshire police website.