Heaton shoplifter banned from every Sainsbury's in the country after thefts totalling more than £2,500

A prolific nuisance shoplifter has been banned from every Sainsbury's in the country after he plagued two Newcastle branches with his persistent thieving.

Joseph Tait, 38, has troubled the Newcastle suburb of Heaton by regularly carrying out shoplifting offences at the Sainsbury's Local stores on Heaton Road and Chillingham Road. He regularly took meat, cheese and drinks, among other items, with the total financial cost to the stores estimated to be £2,500.

Tait was arrested and charged with four shoplifting offences after Northumbria Police reviewed CCTV footage and identified him as responsible for the thefts. Tait, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to all four charges before Newcastle Magistrates' Court on September 13, while another 22 offences were taken into consideration.

READ MORE:Gosforth branch of garden centre chain Dobbies to close in restructuring plan

READ MORE:Boy, 16, dies following collision in Newcastle as man is charged in connection with death

• Read more: Two further arrests made following 'difficult and complex' investigation into Sycamore Gap felling

• Keep up to date with all the latest court news from the North East with our free newsletter

On Wednesday October 25, Tait appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court again and was given a CBO by magistrates. The order prevents Tait from entering any Sainsbury's store in the country and requires him to leave any retail premises if asked to do so by staff.

Should Tait; who has numerous convictions for theft, burglary and drugs; breach the order, he faces arrest and a possible custodial sentence. The CBO is set to expire in two years' time.

Gary Sharpe, of Northumbria Police, said: "We are pleased that the CBO has been implemented and Tait is now banned from setting foot inside the shops which he was previously targeting. Law-abiding members of the public including those working in these businesses should not have to endure this sort of behaviour with it impacting their day-to-day lives and these new conditions mean they will no longer have to.

"Tait’s persistent criminality has been an increasing concern to residents and businesses in the Heaton area and should he choose to ignore the conditions of the order, he risks further punishment, including a custodial sentence. We would also like to thank all of the members of the public and shop staff who assisted in our investigation which has ultimately helped to secure the granting of the CBO."

Kim McGuinness, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "Businesses and retailers, and those working for them, shouldn’t have to be subject to this consistent law-breaking behaviour. This outcome will bring relief to staff and customers, both of whom should not be subject to such actions on a daily basis.

"We want our region and high streets to be attractive places for businesses and trade, and taking swift action against such individuals is vital to making that possible."