Darren Hand, aged 37, of St Johns Terrace, Newport Pagnell, appeared at Milton Keynes Magistrates' Court on 22 September, where he pleaded guilty to eight counts of shop theft, possession of a Class B drug (cannabis) and resisting arrest.

Hand was recalled to prison and sentenced to 14 days' imprisonment. He was also ordered to pay £1,389.12 in compensation.

In addition, the court granted a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order prohibiting Hand from entering any Co-op store within Bletchley.

The offences took place between 23 and 31 August this year and involved the theft of large quantities of chocolate and meat from Co-op stores on Newton Road and Tattenhoe Lane in Bletchley.

On 1 September, Hand was arrested in Milton Keynes. During the arrest he resisted police officers and was also found to be in possession of cannabis.

Investigating officer PC Oliver Gill-Hammond, of the Milton Keynes Retail Crime Team, said: "Since joining the team in September 2025, I have repeatedly dealt with Darren Hand, a prolific shoplifter who has consistently targeted Co-op stores in Bletchley, causing significant financial losses and leaving staff feeling intimidated and anxious while at work.

"I am extremely proud to have worked alongside store staff and representatives from the Co-op to secure this Criminal Behaviour Order. Without their ongoing support, resilience and commitment to reporting offences, this outcome would not have been possible.

"A Criminal Behaviour Order is a significant step in tackling retail crime and will help protect Co-op stores and their staff from further financial and emotional harm. The order prevents Hand from entering any Co-op store within Bletchley.

"I hope this result demonstrates the serious action Thames Valley Police is taking to tackle retail crime and our commitment to protecting retailers and their employees.

"I would also encourage retailers to use the DISC reporting app, which allows shop thefts to be reported to police quickly and enables images of offenders to be shared with both police and other businesses. The app is free for retailers and has helped us work closely with stores to identify offenders and take robust action."

Anybody who witnesses Hand breaching the terms of the Criminal Behaviour Order should report it to Thames Valley Police by calling 101 or making a report online. In an emergency, always call 999.