A prolific shoplifter from Alton is behind bars after stealing from an East Hampshire supermarket just two days after receiving a suspended sentence.

Magistrates lost their cool with Stuart Austin after the 50-year-old of Alexandra Road stole a £300 barbecue from Tesco Bordon on July 27.

The incident – which took place around 48 hours after Austin appeared in the dock on shoplifting charges – led to a police raid and the activation and extension of a suspended sentence.

The serial thief was made the subject of “wanted man” appeal in June that led to Austin being arrested and charged with 13 shoplifting offences on July 24.

He was remanded in custody and pleaded guilty to all charges when he appeared before Basingstoke Magistrates the following day.

Austin was handed a 26-week sentence, suspended for 12 months, along with a number of additional requirements but his resolve didn’t last long as police investigating the Tesco Bordon barbecue theft identified the defendant as the culprit.

“With the case file prepared for court, we began efforts to locate Austin,” said a spokesperson for Hampshire Police.

“On August 9 intelligence suggested he was at his home address in Alton.

“When he failed to answer the door, officers believed he was inside and gained entry under Section 17 of PACE (Police and Criminal Evidence Act), swiftly arresting him for the further shoplifting offence.”

Austin re-appeared before Basingstoke Magistrates on August 11 where his suspended sentence was activated and extended by 14 days, bringing his time in prison to 28 weeks.

Meanwhile, East Hampshire police would like to hear from anyone who has received a visit from a cold caller offering tree surgery services.

If you have, and may have doorbell footage or still images, please call 101 or get in touch via https://orlo.uk/ZbEcd