A MAN has been sentenced to 12 months in prison for shoplifting.

In addition to the jail sentence, Stevie Lee Palmer has been issued with a three year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

Exeter Police said Palmer had committed a ‘one-man crime wave’ toward a Co-Op in the city, amassing a loss of stock to well over £2000 between March and June.

Palmer was sentenced on August 8 at Exeter Magistrates Court.

PC Holt, Neighbourhood Beat Manager of Exeter City Centre, said: ‘The police welcome this sentence and thank the courts for supporting the police and local businesses in issuing the CBO.

‘Dealing with prolific offenders takes up a huge amount of police resources and takes officers away from being visible in the community.

‘The CBO not only helps the police it supports local businesses should offending continue.

‘The 12-month sentence will hopefully offer those affected some respite from being targeted.

‘We are committed to working with businesses who are targeted by shoplifters and encourage them to report thefts to the police.

‘Individuals who continue to commit theft offences will be dealt with robustly’.