A prolific shoplifter has been jailed after stealing more than £31,000 worth of goods.
Brendan Brain, 39, of Oracle Drive in Waterlooville, carried out the thefts and burglaries between September 2023 and July 2025.
He targeted shops across Sussex and ten other counties: Hertfordshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Avon & Somerset, Suffolk, Wiltshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Dorset, Devon and Swansea, Wales.
Chief Inspector Olivia Carroll said: "This was an extensive investigation involving significant work in partnership with a number of forces and partners.
"I'd like to thank those forces and teams for their collaboration throughout the investigation which culminated in a prolific offender being brought to justice for his crimes cross an expansive area.
"Shoplifting will not be tolerated within nor outside of Sussex."
Brain stole luxury personal care items, accessories, and technology products, including designer fragrances, Dyson Airwraps, electric toothbrushes, Jo Malone candles, designer sunglasses, and Nintendo Switch consoles.
On one occasion in Sussex alone, he stole goods valued at more than £3,500.
He was arrested on June 5, 2025, in connection with offences in Sussex, Devon, and Swansea.
He was charged the next day with ten counts of theft from a shop, two counts of attempted theft from a shop, and two counts of burglary.
Sussex Police worked with the Boots Crime Intelligence Team and other partners to link Brain to additional offences across multiple counties.
He later pleaded guilty to 37 offences of theft and burglary during court hearings held across the country.
On September 8, he appeared at Crawley Magistrates’ Court and was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing.
He was sentenced to three years and four months in prison and handed a six-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), which bans him from entering any Boots, Currys, John Lewis, or Tesco stores in England and Wales.
The CBO also prohibits him from placing any item for sale in a shop into anything other than a shopping basket or trolley before paying for it.
He was also issued a rehabilitation order.
Chief Inspector Carroll said: "Sussex Police recognises the impact that shoplifting has on the retail community, and remains committed to holding anyone committing shoplifting offences accountable for their actions, in particular, the most prolific offenders.
"We will continue to use the tools at our disposal to tackle shoplifting, reduce repeat offending, and protect businesses throughout the county."
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