A prolific shoplifter threatened a supermarket worker as he made off with thousands of pounds worth of tobacco products.

Aron Croft went on a shoplifting spree in East Sussex and Kent last year.

On February 8, Croft entered the Co-op in Cranbrook, Kent, and stole spirits worth £400.

He entered a Co-op again on August 5, this time in Fairlight Road, Hastings, and stole food worth £46.75.

On August 13, Croft trespassed and went behind the kiosk at the Co-op in Seabourne Road, Bexhill. He stole tobacco products worth more than £300.

He returned to the Co-op in Bexhill on August 20 and stole more tobacco products worth £2,285. It was heard that when he approached the kiosk, he threatened a member of staff and said “You’re dead, I’m dying soon, I can be dangerous”, causing the shop worker distress.

At Lewes Crown Court on April 18 Croft was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment.

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The 35-year-old had pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary, two of shoplifting and one count of using threatening behaviour to cause distress.

Croft, of no fixed address, was also handed a five-year criminal behaviour order.

This prohibits him from entering any retail establishment he has previously committed offences in or has been banned from, as well has wearing anything which obscures his head and face in a shop.

If he is asked to leave by a store worker, he has to comply and must not act in an antisocial manner.

Inspector Richard Breeze said: “This is a fantastic result for a prolific offender who caused a lot of distress to the community. Retail workers should be able to undertake their job without fear and the force is committed to tackling criminals.

“Croft was a known suspect in the East Sussex area, and I am delighted how well the team built the case file and put him before the courts.”