A prolific shoplifter, who walked out of a Bexleyheath shop with a stolen kettle, has been locked up.

Shane Manning, 34, of Park Crescent, Erith pleaded guilty to theft at Bromley Magistrates Court on August 18.

The court heard how Manning was spotted leaving a Robert Dyas store with the kettle in his hands as off-duty officers overheard staff discussing the theft.

He was arrested and charged with theft.

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Shane Manning

Just 10 days earlier, on August 10, South Eastern London Magistrates' Court handed Manning an eight week suspended sentence for shoplifting.

On August 3 another court gave Manning a conditional discharge for a separate shoplifting offence.

He was jailed for 18 weeks at Bromley Magistrates' Court on August 19.

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Police Constable Matt Stewart, from Bexleyheath Safer Neighbourhoods Team, said: "The custodial sentence given to Manning, a prolific offender, reflects the seriousness of his actions and shows that police and the courts take crimes such as theft seriously.

"This month alone he has tried to steal from stores across Bexley on three occasions, which has now resulted in him serving a significant 18 week sentence.

"The sentence will also help to ensure that our retail premises will be free of Manning's criminal activity".