A PROLIFIC thief who stole just an hour after being charged with shoplifting has been banned from every HMV, TK Maxx, and Cash Converters store in the UK.

Colchester resident Connor Petts was banned from the three retailers for a year and given an 84-day jail term suspended for 12 months at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Petts, of Mill Road, admitted three counts of theft, possession of cannabis, and one count of fraud by dishonestly failing to disclose information to make a gain for himself by signing at Cash Converters in the city to say stolen items belonged to himself.

The court heard Petts was arrested on November 23 last year on suspicion of stealing headphones from HMV in Culver Square on two occasions in October 2023.

Gazette: Petts appeared at Colchester Magistrates' Court on MondayPetts appeared at Colchester Magistrates' Court on Monday (Image: Newsquest)

He was charged and bailed but Petts was arrested on suspicion of drug dealing just an hour later.

The arresting officer was made aware that the 27-year-old was suspected of stealing two pairs of headphones from TK Maxx in the city centre, which had been exchanged for £15 at Cash Converters.

The value of the items stolen from HMV and TK Maxx was £212.93.

Investigating officer PC Jordan Frisby says: “Connor Petts blatantly walked out of the police station and straight into town to steal and then obtain drugs.

“Fortunately, a colleague saw him in St John’s Street and arrested him as he believed a drug deal was taking place.

“While doing so, he was alerted by a colleague on his Airwave radio to the fact that Petts was also suspected of shoplifting. The investigation proved this to be the case."

Gazette: Petts was banned from every Cash Converters store in the UK for a yearPetts was banned from every Cash Converters store in the UK for a year (Image: Google)

He added: “We take all reports of shoplifting seriously and we will investigate but we do need the help of business owners, retail staff and the public to provide that evidence.”

Petts was also ordered by the court to pay costs and compensation totalling more than £290. An order was also made for the forfeiture and destruction of the cannabis.

Essex Police urged anyone who has evidence or information about any crime, including shoplifting, to contact the force online or by calling 101.