A man has been sentenced to four months in prison for stealing from several shops in Exmouth.

Jack Vidler, aged 31, of Exeter Road, pleaded guilty at Exeter Magistrates' Court to five counts of theft, including stealing a purse from a woman and attempting to use her card.

Sector Inspector Grant Leitch said: “We recognise the impact that this crime type has on local business and on the local community.

“We also see first-hand the effects that theft has on employees who encounter this behaviour whilst simply going about their day-to-day jobs.

“Following several reports of thefts in and around the Exmouth area in April, the Neighbourhood team identified the suspect by utilising their local knowledge while liaising with shopkeepers.

“The prioritisation of evidence gathering, bespoke interventions and having a dedicated officer to push the case through the court process has enabled us to secure a conviction.

“We hope this outcome shows that we are committed to combatting this crime type and we will endeavour to do all that we can to ensure individuals are held to account.”