A MAN has been sentenced after he stole items worth more than £320 including meat and alcohol.

Simon Dicks, 37, of New Barn Close, Fleet, stole meat worth £170 from Morrisons on August 20. 

He then stole alcohol worth £159.60 from Sainsbury’s on September 19.

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

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He pleaded guilty to both offences and was sentenced at Basingstoke Magistrates Court on Monday, October 21.

Dicks was handed a 12-month community order, with a drug rehabilitation requirement. 

PC Neve Fitzgerald, from the Fleet Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Our team takes reports of shoplifting in Fleet extremely seriously.

“Simon Dicks’ actions had a huge impact on businesses, shop workers and the wider community. Our message is clear – shoplifting in Fleet will not be tolerated.

“We will deal with these matters seriously and will make all efforts to identify offenders and bring them before the courts.”

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said they urge shop owners or staff members to 'continue to report any shoplifting to us', adding: "With your information, we can take action.

"You can do this by calling 101, or by reporting online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website."

You can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.