A prolific shoplifter has been jailed and banned from entering several stores for five years.

Ross Port, from Orpington, plead guilty to two thefts at Boots in Sevenoaks High Street and to causing criminal damage to a cell at Tonbridge police station.

The 42-year-old was sentenced to four months' imprisonment at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court last Wednesday, September 27.

He will be restricted by the conditions of a criminal behaviour order on his release.

It means Port, of Elmcroft Road, will not be allowed to enter Boots or Oliver Bonas in Sevenoaks, and the Co-op in Swanley High Street for five years.

He must also comply with any written banning notice served upon him by any retailer, and not remain in any shop when asked to leave by a member of staff or anyone in authority.

Police Sergeant Dan Bartlett said: “Our officers are determined to protect stores from those who travel into west Kent towns to commit crime.

“Local patrols know those who visit the county regularly and are quick to stop and check anyone acting suspiciously.

“Where a suspect is convicted and sentenced for offences in local businesses, we will seek to prevent further offending by applying for a criminal behaviour order.

“Constables are then in a position to respond robustly to those who fail to comply with instructions from the court, and swiftly bring them back before the magistrates to account for their actions”.