A MAN has been sentenced after shoplifting from three stores in the centre of Reading.

Jack Macklin targeted the Co-op store, London Road and Vision Express, Broad Street between October 11 and November 6 this year.

He also went equipped for theft and possessed a bladed article in a public place in Richfield Avenue.

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The 32-year-old pleaded guilty to two counts of shoplifting and one count each of going equipped for theft and possession of a bladed article in a public place in a hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (November 7).

The court ordered Macklin, of no fixed abode, to complete a community order of drug rehabilitation.

Investigating officer PC Vince Moore, one of the neighbourhood officers for Reading Town Centre, said: “The people of Reading will have noticed a significant amount of work we are undertaking to tackle shoplifting in the town.

“We know the profound impact these offences have on staff, customers and the wider economy and I hope that Macklin’s conviction demonstrates that we will pursue shoplifters and put them before the courts.

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“We will work tirelessly to tackle this unacceptable offending and my message to the community is if you have any information about shoplifting, please report it."