A SERIAL shoplifter has been jailed for his latest crime spree.

Paul Ripley, 41, admitted stealing from shops including Waitrose, John Lewis and TK Maxx in Chichester.

The 41-year-old took goods including handbags and alcohol, worth £1,650.

Ripley, of St Agnes Place, Chichester, appeared at Crawley Magistrates’ Court where he was jailed for 36 weeks.

Meanwhile magistrates also added 18 weeks from a previous suspended sentence to jail him for 54 weeks.

PC Jimmy Upton said: “Ripley was a prolific shoplifter who stole a large quantity of items without thinking about the consequences this could have on those shops.

“Shoplifting can have a large impact on the community and this should be a stark warning to everyone that we do investigate these crimes and justice will be served.”