Prolific thief given prison sentence for shoplifting spree in Cheltenham

A prolific thief has been sentenced to nine weeks in prison following a spate of shoplifting offences committed in Cheltenham between November 2023 and January 2024.

Sean Lewis, aged 47 and of no fixed abode, received the sentence at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court on Friday 26 January after previously pleading guilty to three counts of shoplifting. 

The court heard how Lewis had targeted shops in the town stealing meat worth nearly £200 from both Waitrose and Marks and Spencer and a figurine worth around £50 from HMV.

Lewis asked for a further 24 shoplifting offences that he'd committed during the same timeframe to be taken into consideration. This was accepted by the judge.

During sentencing, Lewis was also issued with a three year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) which will come into effect upon his release from prison.

The order forbids Lewis from entering any retail premise in Gloucestershire with the exception of:

1. Lidl, Evesham Road, Bishops Cleeve
2. Lidl, Swindon Road, Cheltenham
3. Badham’s Pharmacy, Church Road, Bishops Cleeve
4. The Post Office, Church Road, Bishops Cleeve

A breach of these conditions following Lewis' release from prison would mean that he could be arrested.

Anyone who sees Lewis breaching his Criminal Behaviour Order is asked to call police on 101. 

Police are urging members of the public to continue to report any suspicious activity relating to shoplifting.

You can contact police using this online form: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/