A prolific shoplifter from Erith has been jailed after stealing goods worth over £14,100 in almost 100 separate offences.

Martin Jackson, 40, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison at Woolwich Crown Court on September 19.

He was found guilty of 98 offences, including theft and violating a restraining order.

Jackson has also been banned for five years from entering a Boots store and a BP service station on Trafalgar Road, Greenwich.

He had stolen thousands of pounds worth of goods from these locations, despite being under a previous Criminal Behaviour Order preventing him from entering the shops.

Police officers spent hours reviewing CCTV footage after Jackson’s arrest in July.

The evidence clearly showed him stealing items such as food, alcohol, and toiletries in broad daylight.

Faced with this strong evidence, Jackson pleaded guilty to all charges on September 2.

Acting Superintendent, Rav Pathania, who oversees neighbourhood policing in Greenwich, said: “At the heart of our plan for London is focusing on the things that our communities, including our business communities, are most concerned about.

“Over the course of many months Jackson caused misery to businesses in Greenwich, that’s why we have been determined to get him off our streets and put behind bars.

“We’ve worked hard to build closer relationships with businesses in our area, and build their confidence in our ability to tackle their concerns.

“I hope this goes some way in demonstrating we are listening and taking action on local issues.

“I’m grateful to the support bp and Boots in particular provided to this investigation, which was central to us achieving justice for Jackson’s crimes.”

Iona Blake, Europe mobility & convenience security manager, bp, said: “Safety comes first at bp, always. Nothing is more important.

“We want our colleagues to feel safe at work and our customers to have a great experience when visiting us.

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