Two crooks were behind bars today after a huge stealing spree from a shop called "Everything's A Pound".

The haul of goods taken out of the back door by manager Ian McArthur and getaway driver Stephen Gore showed that everything was hundreds of pounds, a judge heard.

It was estimated by the firm's bosses that the pair helped themselves to £7,000 in cleaning and toiletry items from the shop in High Street, Southend.

Forty-year-old McArthur and Gore, 46, pleaded guilty to seven theft charges, but said they took only about £4,000.

McArthur, of North Avenue, Canvey, was jailed at Basildon Crown Court for 12 months.

He was told by the judge, Recorder Richard Seymour, QC, that he broke the trust of his employers "by systematically and regularly stealing from them".

Gore, of Richmond Avenue, Shoebury, did not work for the shop, but took his van there and loaded it up early mornings about a year ago. He received a nine-month sentence.

Noel Casey, prosecuting, said because so much property was being stolen from the shop security officers decided to put in video cameras.

But McArthur, who had worked his way up through the firm, was believed to have removed the video film and destroyed it, added Mr Casey.

He went on to say that the pair loaded cases of goods through the back door of the shop via the secluded service road.

They were able to remain undetected, said Mr Casey, because McArthur was in charge and the thieves worked before most of the staff arrived, loading cases of goods on to Gore's van.

He and Gore both denied stealing from the shop which, as the name suggests, stocks its shelves with £1 items. After further interviews they confessed to the thefts, said Mr Casey.

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