A MAN has been fined after a police operation to tackle a spate of meat thefts from shops in Basingstoke.
Derek Millington, 52, of Dryden Close, Popley, Basingstoke appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, December 15.Millington was fined £225 after admitting two counts of theft, one of which involved the theft of meat from Tesco Express in Oakridge, Basingstoke, and the other wine from the Co-operative store in Grove Road.
The hearings follow the convictions of five other people in recent weeks for similar but separate offences in Basingstoke.
These are:

- Adrian O’Leary, 36, of no fixed abode. Sentenced to a total of 22 weeks in prison after admitting assault and ten counts of theft.
- Victor Saunders, 31, of no fixed address. Sentenced to six weeks in prison after admitting six counts of theft.
- Liam McManus, 27, of Timberlake Road, Basingstoke. Fined after admitting four counts of theft.
- Jacalyn Jones, 35, of Mallory Road, Popley, Basingstoke. Fined after admitting three counts of theft.
- Shelley Rosier, 35, of no fixed address. Sentenced to 56 days in prison after admitting five counts of theft.

After the sentence, Sergeant Trevor Taylor, from the Neighbourhood Police Team at Basingstoke, said: “We identified the theft of meat from shops in Basingstoke last month as an issue of concern and a great deal of hard work went in to bring these offenders to justice.
“The theft of meat causes serious disruption to local businesses and the meat is often then sold on at a fraction of the original cost.
“Anyone who believes they can make money from shoplifting in this way should think again.”