Prolific shoplifter banned from every Tesco, Sainsbury’s and TK Maxx in Northamptonshire

Philip Leitch, 35, stole goods worth more than £4,000 during a string of offences between June and September this year.

Leitch, of no fixed address but formerly of Dumble Close, Corby, pleaded guilty to 23 shoplifting offences at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on September 11.

He was handed a three-year criminal behaviour order (CBO) and sentenced to 40 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.

Under the order, Leitch cannot enter any Tesco, TK Maxx or Sainsbury’s in Northamptonshire.

He is also banned from Boyes in Newland Street, Kettering, and the Newlands Shopping Centre, and must not enter any Northamptonshire premises from which he has been banned or excluded.

Leitch must also leave any premises in the county when asked by a member of staff.

A Northamptonshire Police spokesperson said Leitch had also been involved in incidents of abusive, threatening and intimidating behaviour during his offending.

They said: “In order to secure a criminal behaviour order, there must be a persistent pattern of offending and poor behaviour.

“The three-year order granted by the court reflects the consistent level of offending and disregard Leitch has shown and I am pleased the court has recognised that.

“While we understand the financial pressures many people are facing, shoplifting is not a victimless crime. It impacts businesses, increases costs for customers and can leave hardworking shop staff feeling intimidated and fearful.”

The CBO will remain in place for three years.

Anyone who sees Leitch breaching the order should report a crime in progress by calling 999, or report it later to Northamptonshire Police on 101 or online.