A prolific shoplifter has been jailed after carrying out a spate of thefts across South Gloucestershire. Anton Varga, 38, stole from five supermarkets during his 10-day one-man crime spree between Tuesday, January 14 and Thursday, January 23.
He carried out the thefts at shops in Downend, Fishponds and Kingswood. Varga, of Staple Hill, also tried to shoplift from another shop but was unsuccessful. He appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court last Friday, January 24, and was jailed for 29 weeks.
The 38-year-old also received a five-year criminal behaviour order (CBO) which has conditions preventing him entering certain stores upon his release from prison. Magistrates said Varga had a “flagrant disregard for people and their property”.
He will face re-arrest if he breaches the terms of the CBO.
South Gloucestershire Neighbourhood Inspector Barny Mabbett said: “This conviction and CBO is reflective of the harm Varga has caused businesses within our communities. Retail crime is not a victim-less crime. Shoplifting can have a huge impact on companies, particularly small businesses.
“Varga has received a jail sentence for his crime but we particularly pleased that our application for a CBO has been successful. This will help protect these retail premises and the staff employed who have suffered repeatedly at the hands of Varga for the next five years.”