A prolific shoplifter has been banned from all Co-Op stores across England and Wales after a thieving spree across Gateshead.
Nikki Haney, 35, was originally handed a 16 week prison sentence after being convicted of shoplifting offences in Rowlands Gill and Chopwell back in May this year.
He was convicted of stealing a number of items including a box of Quality Streets.
However, officers expanded their investigation and Haney has now been given a further 12 weeks in prison after being convicted of offences across Winlaton and Crawcrook which also took place at the same time.
Haney, of Hollings Terrace, Chopwell, appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on August 14, where he admitted 13 counts of theft and has also been handed a community order that bans him from entering all Co-Op stores across England and Wales for the next year - meaning he faces going back to prison if he enters a Co-Op upon his release.
Sergeant Warren Sturrock, of Northumbria Police, said the case showed that prolific offenders will be dealt with robustly by officers.
He said: "Nikki Haney is a prolific offender who has targeted shops with no intention of paying for goods.
"He has been a reoccurring issue for the community and we have worked tirelessly to bring him before a judge.
"This should send a strong message to shoplifters that they could face jail for their actions and orders will be put in place upon release to continue to protect local businesses from a loss of income."
Haney was also ordered to pay compensation costs of £54.
If anyone wants to report suspicious behaviour or criminal activity in their local community then they should call police on 101 or report it online via the Northumbria Police website.
