Man Sentenced for Shoplifting Spree in Southampton and Lymington

A 33 year old man from Christchurch, Dorset, has faced the consequences of his actions as he was sentenced for three separate shoplifting offences in the Southampton and Lymington areas. Joshua Lewis Crichton, residing on Lymington Road, Highcliffe, was ordered to pay a total compensation of £796.96 following thefts that occurred in May and August.

The first incident took place on 1 May at 1:30pm when Crichton stole £147.50 worth of alcohol from the Waitrose store in Portswood Road, Southampton. The stolen items included one bottle of Jack Daniel’s Triple Mash, one bottle of Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, one bottle of Woodford Reserve Bourbon, and two bottles of Jack Daniel’s. For this offence, Crichton was ordered to pay £147.50 in compensation.

The second and third incidents occurred on 16 and 17 August, both at a Waitrose store in Stanford Road, Lymington. On 16 August at 4:50pm, Crichton stole an extensive selection of alcohol amounting to £649.46, including Hennessy Cognac, Laurent Perrier Brut, Laurent Perrier Rose Champagne, prosecco, wine, and vodka. He was ordered to pay £649.46 in compensation for this offence.

The following day, on 17 August at 4pm, Crichton revisited the same store and attempted to steal another £124 worth of alcohol, including three bottles of Bushmills Whiskey and two bottles of Kraken Spiced Rum. Fortunately, store security managed to recover the stolen items promptly.

Joshua Lewis Crichton pleaded guilty to all three offences and was sentenced at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on 10 November. 

Reflecting on the court result, Sergeant Arron Wood of the New Milton Neighbourhood Policing Team commended the collaboration between officers and probation, stating, “This outcome was only possible because of some good work from our officers and teams.”

Sergeant Wood emphasised the significance of addressing retail crime as a current priority for Hampshire police and reiterated the commitment to robustly dealing with shoplifters. He urged shop owners and staff to report any incidents, emphasising the role of community cooperation in identifying and convicting offenders.

Shop owners and staff are encouraged to report shoplifting incidents by calling 101, reporting online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website, or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.