A prolific shoplifter who stole from the same three stores has been jailed in Oxford.

Andrew Copeland-Brown, 58, of Henry Taunt Close, Oxford, pleaded guilty to five counts of theft from a shop in a hearing at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Saturday (November 9).

At the same hearing, Copeland-Brown was sentenced to 26 weeks’ imprisonment.

Between June 24 and October 28 this year, Copeland-Brown targeted stores in London Road, stealing goods from Headington Pharmacy, the Co-operative store and Sainsbury’s.

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He was arrested on Thursday (November 8) and charged the same day.

Investigating officer PC Jon Kelly said: “Copeland-Brown is a prolific offender who frequently targeted the same stores in London Road.

“I am pleased that he has been given a custodial sentence as a result of his offending behaviour.

“Tackling shoplifting in Oxford is a priority for the force, and I hope that this outcome shows that we are taking retail theft seriously and will always seek to pursue and prosecute offenders.”