A PROLIFIC thief who relentlessly stole meat from shops in Bournemouth has been jailed.

Timothy James Heath was responsible for more than 20 shoplifting offences at Tesco and Co-op food stores from February to July this year.

The 35-year-old of no fixed abode stole more than £1,500 worth of meat during the crime spree, which police said had a “detrimental impact” on the community.

Appearing in the dock at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Monday, August 7, Heath was sentenced to 29 weeks in prison after he admitted a total of 23 theft offences.

Bournemouth Echo: Poole Magistrates' Court Poole Magistrates' Court

The case followed a successful investigation by the Boscombe Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) into a string of offences dating back to February of this year.

Often on a daily basis, Heath would enter the Tesco and Co-op stores in Ashley Road and Holdenhurst Road respectively and steal hundreds of pounds worth of meat products.

According to court documents, he also stole confectionary and laundry detergent.

Outside of Boscombe, Heath targeted the Tesco Express store in Southbourne Grove.

Bournemouth Echo: Tesco Express in Southbourne Grove.Tesco Express in Southbourne Grove.

The total value of items stolen by Heath came to more than £1,500.

Police Constable Jo Morgan, of Boscombe NPT, said: “Timothy Heath has caused significant disruption to businesses in the Boscombe area over recent months and his offending has had a detrimental impact on the local community.

“We have worked hard to compile evidence to bring him to account for his offending, which has resulted in him being put behind bars.

“We are all too aware of the impact this kind of offending has on members of our business community and we hope this demonstrates to them our commitment to identifying offenders and taking robust action.”