Shoplifter Banned from Sussex Stores After Swiping Hundreds in Theft Spree
Serial Thief Snared After Stealing from Tesco and More
Mwiya Kamutumwa, 24 – known locally as Kush – has been slapped with a multi-shop ban across Sussex after nicking hundreds of pounds’ worth of goods in a brazen crime spree.
Between February 18 and April 14, Kamutumwa targeted several stores in Chichester, including Tesco Express, Co-Op on South Street, TK Maxx on East Street, and One Stop on St Paul’s Road. His loot ranged from household cleaning products and trainers to an Easter egg and boxes of chocolate bars.
Police Crack Down with Court Orders and Suspended Jail Term
Thanks to sharp-eyed shop staff reporting the thefts, Sussex Police rapidly pieced together a strong case. Kamutumwa faced six charges of shop theft and admitted guilt to all.
At Crawley Magistrates’ Court on April 15, he was handed a three-month prison sentence – suspended for 12 months – reflecting the severity of his offences but offering a chance for reform.
Harsh Restrictions Hit the Shoplifter
The court also slapped Kamutumwa with a hefty three-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), packing in tough conditions to keep him off the streets and away from shops:
- No lingering on any retail premises in Sussex once told to leave.
- Banned from entering every Sainsbury’s and Co-Op store across Sussex.
- Forbidden to enter any retail or commercial premises without money or proof of purchase.
- Outlawed from setting foot in Portfield Retail Park, Chichester.
Additionally, he must participate in a drug rehabilitation programme as part of the sentence.
Police Praise CBO as Vital Protection for Communities
A Sussex Police spokesperson underscored the importance of the Criminal Behaviour Order. “This is a crucial tool to safeguard local businesses and the wider community from repeat offending,” they said.
