A SCOURGE of Waitrose Godalming and other shops across Surrey has been jailed after admitting nine counts of theft.

Prolific shoplifter Ben Price, 38, of Park Barn Drive, Guildford, was jailed for 21 months at Guildford Crown Court on May 31.

Price was spotted on CCTV at various shops across the county stealing alcohol from supermarkets and watches from a sports shop.

He targeted Waitrose Godalming three times in January and February this year, plus Waitrose Farnham twice and Waitrose in Dorking and Hersham.

Price also stole from Sainsbury’s in Guildford and Cobham in addition to other outlets.

He admitted the offences in police interview and also asked for other offences to be taken into consideration – admitting that he looked to sell the stolen items on.

Inspector Dallas McDermott said: “Price is one of Surrey’s most prolific shoplifters and I am delighted that he is behind bars for his crimes.

“His sentence sends a message that we will not welcome thieves in Surrey and will seek to arrest those responsible, charge them and put them before the courts.

“I understand that this spate of incidents would have been distressing to the businesses and staff members concerned and I hope they will feel justice has been served.”