A prolific shoplifter has been banned from several supermarkets in Thanet after stealing items from Tesco.

Police handed Jason Cousins the community order after he took items from the chain’s superstore in Manston Road, Ramsgate, on three occasions between April 29 and May 7.

A local officer recognised the 46-year-old on CCTV from the scene, and he was later charged with three counts of theft.

Cousins was handed a six-month community order and ordered to pay compensation to the supermarket.

He pleaded guilty to all three offences at Thanet Magistrates’ Court on Friday (July 12).

To prevent further reoffending, police also handed Jason Cousins a two-year criminal behaviour order barring him from entering Iceland, Aldi or Waitrose in Ramsgate, any Tesco in Thanet and Westwood Cross Shopping Centre.

He is also prohibited from entering any store while possessing a bag.

Breach of the order could see him brought back before a court and sentenced again.

Sergeant Dan Bartlett said: “Kent Police are determined to use every option open to us to protect businesses from repeat shoplifters like Jason Cousins.

“We will keep building cases against thieves and bringing them before the courts.

“Wherever possible, we will also obtain court orders, like in this case, to further prevent reoffending.”