A PROLIFIC shoplifter who threatened a member of staff in a store in Witham has been jailed after a string of offences.

Clint Wallace, 45, of Groveway, Dagenham, was wanted for outstanding offences before being spotted in Brentwood High Street on Monday.

He was arrested, charged and put before Southend Magistrates’ Court yesterday, where he admitted seven shop thefts across the Brentwood district and a public order offence in a Witham store – all committed between February 3 and April 19.

The court heard Wallace had entered Superdrug in Brentwood High Street on three occasions, despite being banned from doing so, and stole toothbrushes and electrical beauty items.

In Witham’s Superdrug store, he threatened a member of staff after being asked to leave because he was also banned from that store.

He stole 31 lipsticks from Shadworth Pharmacy in Ingatestone High Street and twice stole from the nearby Co-op, taking lunch items, beauty products and medicines.

He stole two bottles of perfume from New Pharmacy in Brentwood High Street.

Wallace was jailed for 16 weeks and ordered to pay a £154 victim surcharge.

Investigating officer Sgt Jade Harrison said: “Shop theft isn’t a victimless crime and retail staff and customers can be affected by the behaviour of some shoplifters.

“We don’t tolerate shoplifting or any associated abuse or antisocial behaviour, so we encourage anyone who experiences it or sees it happening to report it to us.”