Shoplifter bags year behind bars after checkout fails

A prolific shoplifter who repeatedly targeted Reading stores has been jailed.

James Peter Hook, 49, of no fixed address, was sentenced on Wednesday at Reading Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to 14 shoplifting offences at Co-op stores between 18 May and 15 June 2026. His method was simple – walk in, pick up goods, and walk straight out without paying.

Hook was given 26 weeks’ imprisonment, but due to his continued offending, a previous 26-week suspended sentence (for 22 earlier thefts) was activated and ordered to run consecutively – bringing his total time behind bars to 12 months.

PC Vince Moore, from the West Berkshire Operation Purchase Retail Crime Team, said:
“Hook was given a chance to stay out of prison, but within days he was back to his old habits. Thanks to close working with local stores, we were able to act quickly and bring him back before the courts.

“This result shows that persistent shoplifting won’t be ignored – and if you keep offending, you can expect to face the consequences.”

The court also imposed a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order, banning Hook from entering a number of major stores across Reading and nearby areas, and placing strict conditions on his behaviour in shops.

A clear message: if you think you can shoplift without consequences, think again.