A "prolific shoplifter" who carried out a 16-day-long stealing spree has been jailed and banned from a number of shops. 

Luke Nash, 40, was arrested on November 15 in an abandoned building following the spree in which he targeted shops in Wisbech including Tesco and Asda from the end of October to the start of November.

Appearing before Cambridge Magistrates’ Court on December 17, he admitted nine offences and was jailed for 12 weeks. 

Eastern Daily Press: Nash has been barred from entering shops in this exclusion areaNash has been barred from entering shops in this exclusion area (Image: Cambridgeshire Police)

The court also banned him from certain shops for five years with a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO). 

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PC Jordan Westwood said: "Prolific shoplifters such as Nash can have a significant impact on the business community.

Eastern Daily Press: He is also barred from entering shops in this areaHe is also barred from entering shops in this area (Image: Cambridgeshire Police)

"The Criminal Behaviour Order means we now have greater powers to tackle Nash's offending. 

"If he is caught in breach of the order he can be arrested and brought before the courts again."

Nash, of Lynn Road in Wisbech, admitted to, among others, the theft of fish, steaks and sausages from Tesco Express in Kirkgate Street on October 29 and the theft of electric razors worth £200 from Asda on November 3.

As well as Tesco and Asda, he has been barred from entering Horsefair Shopping Centre and Cromwell Road Retail Park in Wisbech.