Shoplifting Scoundrel Caught on CCTV Lands Suspended Jail Term
A 34-year-old Crawley man has been caught red-handed on CCTV raiding local shops and sentenced to a suspended jail term—along with a tough Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).
Max Huggett, from Steyning Close, Northgate, targeted a string of stores across Crawley and West Sussex between April and September. He stole nearly £900 worth of goods from Tesco, Co-op, and an Applegreen petrol station.
With a shocking 15 prior theft convictions, Huggett faced Crawley Magistrates’ Court on 17 October. He was handed a 16-week suspended sentence, meaning he’ll only do jail time if he breaks the law again.
Rehab and Retail Bans: Huggett Told to Shape Up
The court ordered Huggett to complete six months of drug rehab and 10 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement sessions. On top of that, a strict CBO bans him from several local shops:
- All Tesco stores in Crawley and Horley
- All Co-op shops in Crawley
- The Next store in Crawley
- Any Sussex retail premises if staff ask him to leave
Police Ramp Up Warnings: Stay Alert and Report Offenders
Chief Inspector Steven Turner, Crawley District Commander, said: “Huggett has been a prolific thief, targeting food and laundry products. CCTV showed him entering shops carrying bags or rucksacks, filling them up, then walking out without paying.”
Turner warned of the serious toll shoplifting takes on local businesses and staff. He praised Sussex Police’s work with retailers using tech and thorough investigations to catch crooks. Anyone spotting Huggett or other offenders breaching bans is urged to call 101 immediately.
Behind the Headlines: What This Case Tells Us
- CCTV is vital for catching repeat shoplifters on the spot
- Criminal Behaviour Orders clamp down with targeted shop bans
- Public reports help police fight retail crime effectively
- “Minor” thefts still cause major damage to communities and businesses
Huggett now faces a choice: stick to his rehab and obey the CBO, or activate his suspended jail sentence. Sussex police and retailers are watching him closely to keep their stores safe and crime-free.
