Paul Antony Frith, 22, from Pontefract in West Yorkshire, was arrested in Selby town centre on May 4th for offences relating to shop thefts from premises in Selby, Sherburn and Byram.

In total, Frith was charged with six thefts, one fraud and for breaching his bail conditions on a number of occasions. He was remanded in custody and appeared at York Magistrates' Court on May 5th, where he was sentenced to 40 weeks in prison.

Acting Sergeant Victoria Lowery, of the Selby Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: "This is a good result as Frith has a long history of shoplifting in the area and has been a menace to local shopkeepers.

"The officers involved worked hard to make sure justice prevailed and that this prolific offender did not go unpunished for the crimes he has committed against our local businesses and communities."

Inspector Richard Abbott, also of the Selby Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: "While some people may view shoplifting as a victimless crime but it costs us all through shops having to increases prices to cover these losses."