A PROLIFIC shoplifter has been banned from entering two city stores after targeting them 17 times over nine months.

Aaron Talbot, 47, of Conifer Close, Colchester, stole more than £1,700 of meat, detergents and coffee from the two shops.

On one occasion, he also assaulted a member of staff who tried to stop him.

After being arrested on August 17 on suspicion of shoplifting at the Co-op store in Five Fields Court, Greenstead, Talbot turned his attention to the nearby Hawthorn Avenue shop.

Talbot was arrested for a second time by an officer from Colchester’s Local Policing Team and later charged, for a total of 17 shop thefts.

Appearing in court on Wednesday, Talbot was banned from entering either Co-op for 12 months.

He had previously admitted 12 thefts from the Five Fields Court store between November 18, 2023, and August 8, 2024, as well as a further five thefts from the shop in Hawthorn Avenue between August 11 and 22, 2024. 

Talbot also admitted to assault by beating during his last theft on August 22.

Police - two Essex Police carsPolice - two Essex Police cars (Image: Essex Police)

He was sentenced to a total of 40 weeks in jail – two weeks, consecutive, for each count of shop theft and a further six weeks, consecutive, for the assault.

The jail term was suspended for a year. 

He was also ordered to attend a drug rehabilitation course for six months, to undertake 30 days of rehabilitation activity and to pay £300 compensation to the Co-op, and another £100 to his assault victim.

Sgt Matt Harmer, of Colchester’s Local Policing Team, said: “We know shoplifting and abuse of retail staff can go unreported, but we take all reports seriously.

“Despite being arrested for several shoplifting offences, Talbot went on to repeat his crimes.

“However, he was recognised by one of our officers from CCTV footage from the second store, so he was quickly arrested a second time and charged for all 17 shop thefts and for assaulting a member of retail staff.”

Mr Harmer also urged shops to report incidents as part of the Open For Business, Closed For Crime initiative.

He added: “Our officers are dedicated to helping to keep our city safe from shoplifters, but we can’t do it without help.

“The initiative encourages retailers to report shop theft, abuse and anti-social behaviour to us and advises them on how to provide us with good-quality CCTV images and witness statements.”