A PROLIFIC thief who snatched thousands of pounds worth of handbags from a Colchester shop has been put behind bars.

Jon Ian Birch, of Military Road, Colchester, has been sentenced to a year in prison following a hearing at Colchester Magistrates’ Court.

The 44-year-old, who has a record of previous offending, appeared before a judge to face three charges of theft and one charge of burglary with intent.

The most recent offences were carried out at Sands & Son, in Bank Passage, first on January 19 and then again just six days later on January 25.

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On both occasions, Birch was caught on camera smashing his way inside the store, founded in 1872, before emptying the shelves.

Over the course of the two break-ins, carried out during the early hours of the morning, he stole more than £4,100 worth of handbags.

The store is managed by Qais Paiman, 37.

Reacting to Birch’s prison time Mr Paiman said: “I am completely relieved and I think 12 months is fair because I would not want him behind bars forever.

“The business is at a loss and we are still suffering as a result of the break ins but he did not harm anyone physically.

Gazette:

“Hopefully being in prison will teach him something but he is a night rider, so when he is released hopefully he can be put on a curfew or something.

“We are now looking at ways to better secure the shop.”

Birch was also sent down for stealing £240 worth of Jam Sound turntables from the city’s HMV, on December 31, and attempting to break in on New Year’s Day.

The judge decided to slap Birch with a year in prison due to his offences being “so serious” and his aggravating history of crime.