A shoplifter who put food down his jogging bottoms has been jailed and banned from entering several supermarkets for five years.

Ross Collins went to the Co-op in Pattens Lane, Chatham, on October 4 and took meat products worth almost £110 and left without paying.

Two weeks later he went on to steal food valued at £30 from the BP Garage in Maidstone Road, Chatham by placing them down his jogging bottoms.

Following an investigation into both incidents, Collins was arrested on October 25 in the town centre.

The 41-year-old, of Conifer Drive, Chatham, was charged with both thefts and appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court the following day.

He pleaded guilty and was immediately jailed for 104 days, including an activation of a suspended sentence he had received earlier that month in relation to three thefts.

In addition, he was subject to a five-year criminal behaviour order that prohibits him from entering all Co-op, Asda, or Tesco supermarkets, or any BP petrol station.

He must also abide by banning notices issued against him by any store.

Police Sergeant Dan Bartlett said: “Collins has committed a significant number of thefts over the years and has been the subject of a previous criminal behaviour order.

“He is now serving a prison sentence and his conduct will be restricted by a further order on his release.

“Local officers and shop owners will be alert for any breaches of these conditions and, should he transgress in the future, he will be brought before the court immediately to answer for his actions.”