A PROLIFIC Ludlow shoplifter has been jailed for two counts of breaching a criminal behaviour order and two counts of shoplifting.

Anthony Shingler, 38, was handed the order on September 28 last year following previous shoplifting sprees in the town.

The order banned him from entering a number of shops in the town.

But he was caught flouting the ban on January 26 and 27 entering the Sainsbury and One Stop shops in Ludlow where he stole over £200 of food.

Shingler, who is of no fixed address, was handed a six-week prison sentence at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court on January 29  after pleading guilty to the offences.

Sergeant Jenni Price said: “Shingler has been blighting the shops in Ludlow for some time so I’m glad that justice was done yesterday.

“The impact shoplifting has on our communities shouldn’t be underestimated. It can affect retail prices, insurance premiums and damages local communities through fear of crime. The proceeds of these crimes also often end up being spent on illegal drugs, causing more suffering to individuals and the wider community.”