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Shoplifter banned from every Waitrose and M&S in UK after five years of stealing

Kirsten Hocking, 28, was jailed for six months. (SWNS)
Kirsten Hocking, 28, was jailed for six months. (SWNS)

A shoplifter has been jailed and banned from all Waitrose and Marks & Spencer stores in England and Wales after stealing from the stores for five years.

Kirsten Hocking, 28, was given a six-month prison sentence in April for the thefts after being charged over 10 shoplifting incidents in Worthing, West Sussex.

She pleaded guilty to eight of the charges and admitted stealing almost £1,000 worth of beauty products from several shops.

Hocking also received a criminal behaviour order (CBO) banning her from cafes, restaurants, bars and shops in Worthing for five years.

Aerial photo of the town of Worthing, large seaside town in England, and district with borough status in West Sussex, England UK, showing typical housing estates and businesses on a bright sunny day
Hocking stole from several stores in the seaside town of Worthing. (Getty)

The CBO means she won’t be able to visit the seaside town’s main shopping streets and also specific Tesco, Lidl and Boots stores.

Hocking has also been banned from M&S, Poundland, Wilkinson and Waitrose stores across England and Wales.

If she breaches any of the bans she could be sent back to prison under the terms of her CBO.

Sussex Police’s Sergeant Jason Stanley said: "After months of hard work from the local prevention team to try and tackle Hocking’s persistent shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, she was given a custodial sentence.

“We recognise the impact anti-social behaviour can have on the community and local businesses and this is completely unacceptable.

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He added: “We have secured a CBO against Hocking which bans her from entering large areas of Worthing and from the many shops and businesses for five years.

"If she breaches the order then she is liable to be sent back to prison."

Hocking appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court charged with 10 counts of shoplifting and breaching a community protection notice.

A community protection notice was issued to Hocking by police in December with a number of restrictions included, in particular banning her from certain geographical areas in Worthing.