Police have stepped up their battle with shoplifters in Norwich, with one man jailed and three others charged.

Over the last few weeks, Norwich police have been prioritising these thefts saying: "Retail theft is a current priority for the city.

"We've had a number of results this week focused around our theft offenders."

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A 34-year-old man in the city centre was arrested on November 6 and appeared at Norwich Magistrates' Court on Friday.

He pleaded guilty to shop theft, two criminal behaviour order breaches and was sentenced to 18 weeks imprisonment.

On Friday officers arrested a man in his 30s on Exchange St on suspicion of shop theft, taking him to the Aylsham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

On November 7, officers arrested a 47-year-old man, he was then charged and remanded into custody with eight shop thefts, and six criminal behaviour order breaches.

Meanwhile, Jacob Hearle, 44, of Smith Close, Blofield, pleaded guilty to 25 thefts from shops thefts, possession of an offensive weapon, possession of a class A drug (cocaine) and money laundering.

The charges relate to 25 shop thefts that occurred at Co-op stores between September 19 and November 1 across Norwich, Costessey, Long Stratton, Acle and Brundall, where items including meat, coffee, confectionery and alcohol were stolen.

Hearle was arrested on November 3 and taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

During a search of his property officers seized a knife, cocaine and suspected stolen items.

He has been remanded in custody ahead of his next court appearance at Norwich Magistrates’ Court on November 21.

Read more: Blofield man admits to shoplifting spree at Co-op stores