A MAN has been sentenced to 16 months in jail after shoplifting from three shops in Evesham. 

Matthew Schramm was given the custodial sentence after appearing in Kidderminster Magistrates court on Monday (October 7).

The "prolific" shoplifter has also been ordered to pay compensation to the shops he stole from. 

An Evesham safer neighbourhood spokesperson said: "Matthew Schramm was remanded to court and appeared on Monday October 7 2024. 

"The courts have issued Schramm with a 16-month custodial sentence and compensation to the stores that were victims. 

"As a team we are now attempting to update his current behaviour order to incorporate these stores. 

"This is an attempt to try and safeguard these stories and prevent further offenses from being committed."

The 43-year-old was arrested by Evesham's new town centre team. 

Schramm had already been given a suspended sentence in May for four other shoplifting offences. 

Schramm is also already subject to a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) banning him from Waitrose in Merstow Green, Home Bargains on Sinclair Retail Park and Boots on the Worcester Road Retail Park.

Police constable Matt Beards, of Evesham Town Centre Team, said: “The new Town Centre Team is pleased to bring Schramm to justice for his prolific shoplifting that has blighted the retail community of Evesham for some time.

“We do understand the impact shoplifting and acquisitive crime have on our local retailers and communities.

“We hope this court result shows we will always pursue criminals, and we will work hard to prevent future offending to help make Evesham safer.”

The three shops Schramm was found guilty of stealing from are Tesco, B&M and The Range in Evesham.