A PROLIFIC shoplifter from Dawlish has been sentenced to 24 weeks in prison, the second time he has been jailed in two years.

Ross Norman, 32, of Carlton Terrace, was sentenced by magistrates at South and West Devon magistrates court.

He had been charged with 14 counts of theft from shops in December and January, stealing more than £1,200 worth of alcohol and household goods.

He was also charged for an assault on a police officer while being detained for suspected shoplifting offences.

Norman had previously been jailed for 42 weeks in 2023 for seven offences of shoplifting and 15 further offences.

PC George Miller, neighbourhood beat manger for Dawlish police team, said this demonstrated to the community that shoplifting reports are taken seriously.

He said: ‘It’s positive that we were able to secure this outcome, benefiting both the shops that were repeatedly targeted and the local people in the community.

‘We know the harm shoplifting can have on the wellbeing and livelihoods of businesses and their employees.

‘I hope this sends a clear message to the public and local business owners that your reports are being heard.

‘We are taking action as a result of information you share with us.

‘The more you tell us about crime, the stronger our investigations will be and the more robust we can be in taking action against offenders.

‘We will continue to work closely with local businesses, gathering evidence and building strong investigations against prolific offenders.

‘If you’re looking to commit shoplifting in our town, I want you to know that these offences will not be tolerated.

‘Our officers will be on patrol, both in plain clothes and high-vis uniform, on different days and times to identify and arrest you.’

To report a crime or information about a crime, use the online reporting tool on the Devon and Cornwall Police website or call 101.