A PROLIFIC shoplifter has been banned from entering Basingstoke town centre for five years.

Leon Davies, 26, stole stole laundry gel and food items worth £75.28 from Aldi on Harrow Way, Basingstoke, and Co-op on Oakley Lane, Oakley, between June 15 and 17.

He was arrested and charged with two counts of theft from a shop.

Davies, of Sycamore Tree Road, Oakley, was also charged with failing to comply with a community protection notice after he was caught in Festival Place on June 13.

He pleaded guilty to all offences and was jailed for 12 weeks at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court on Thursday, July 4.

READ MORE: Man accused of Chapel Gate murder to stand trial later this year

Davies was also handed a five year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) which means he is banned from entering a zone which encompasses Basingstoke town centre.

If he enters a shop outside of this zone, he must prove he has the means to pay for any items he wishes to purchase and leave the store if requested to do so.

PC Charlotte Warhurst, Basingstoke town centre’s Local Bobby, said: “Leon Davies is a prolific offender and his actions have had a huge impact on businesses, shop workers and the wider community.

“Our message is clear – shoplifting and this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated in Basingstoke.

“I hope this result and Criminal Behaviour Order reassures the local community that we take reports like this extremely seriously and will do all we can to put offenders before the courts.

“We want to stop this type of behaviour, and encourage businesses affected to please keep reporting crimes to us so we can relentlessly pursue those responsible.”