A prolific shoplifter has admitted to stealing items from a Reading Co-op on nearly 40 occasions in the space of four months.

Luke Sampon, aged 31, pleaded guilty to 38 counts of shoplifting and 41 counts of breach of bail at a hearing at Reading Magistrates' Court on Thursday, July 4. 

The court heard how Sampson had taken cheese, meat, washing powder and alcohol from the London Road Co-operative shop between March 5 and June 30 2024. 

He is due to be sentenced on a date yet to be confirmed.


PC Ethan Milsom, from Reading's neighbourhood policing team, said his team are "committed" to bringing offenders to justice.

The investigating officer said: "As part of Operation Purchase, The Reading Neighbourhood policing team have worked tirelessly to secure the conviction of one of our most prolific shoplifters. 

"We are committed to working hard to support our retail community and shall continue to bring offenders to justice."