A PROLIFIC shoplifter from Basildon, who targeted a number of outlets including  including BP garages East Mayne in Basildon and Cranfield Park Road, Wickford, has been jailed for breaching a countywide ban on entering BP garages and committing more thefts.

Jon Lee, 40, had previously admitted 32 counts of shop theft between 24 September 2024 and 5 January 2025 – 29 from BP garages.

Other garages and shops were as far apart across the county as Basildon, Chelmsford and Benfleet.

Lee, of Powell Road, had also admitted 29 breaches of a two-year criminal behaviour order issued on 26 June 2023, which forbade him from entering any BP service station in Essex.

He has now been sentenced at Basildon Crown Court to a total of 30 months in prison.

Investigating officer PC Craig Phoenix, said: "Lee is a prolific offender who thought he could defy a court order banning him from entering BP shops.

"But our officers caught up with him and, following an extensive investigation, he's now been jailed for ignoring a chance that the court-imposed two-year criminal behaviour order offered him to mend his ways."

In all, the court heard, Lee's thefts, which ranged from a £720 electronic stove and £315 hair-stylers to two Keralan lamb curry meals and a pack of mini bites, totalled around £4,000.

Lee was also ordered by the court to pay a £228 victim surcharge.