Police crackdown on shoplifting in south Bristol

Five prolific shoplifters have received prison sentences in a police bid to crack down on shoplifting in south Bristol.

Sentencings held between August 18 and September 4 at Bristol Crown Court and Bristol Magistrates’ Court resulted in more than 170 weeks of jail time shared among the offenders.

One offender, Jamie-Lee Templer, aged 33, of Knowle, was jailed for 16 weeks after pleading guilty to two shop theft offences and an assault against a shop worker.

The sentences are a major result of an operation aimed at reducing the “blight of retail crime” and protecting local shop workers and businesses, said Avon & Somerset Police.

Jesse Brooks was sentenced to 20 months in prison as part of a police crackdown on shoplifting in south Bristol – photo: Avon & Somerset Police

Among other offenders is Jesse Brooks, 32, of Knowle. Sentenced to 20 months in prison on September 4, he pleaded guilty to 15 offences—nine counts of breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order, four counts of shop theft, and two counts of possessing a class A drug (crack cocaine and heroin).

Thomas Jefferson, aged 34, of Hengrove, pleaded guilty to two counts of shop theft on August 29. He was jailed for 24 weeks.

Hayley Teale, aged 38, of Knowle, was sentenced to 25 weeks in prison on August 18 for six shop theft offences.

Jack McCarthy, aged 32, of no fixed address, was jailed for 20 weeks after admitting to two counts of shop theft, two counts of assault, and one count of driving while disqualified.

Two further offenders are due to be sentenced soon.

Jeremiah Connors, 30, of Bishopsworth, admitted 12 shop theft offences at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on August 30, after being arrested in Hartcliffe the previous day. His crimes occurred in Hartcliffe, Whitchurch, Portishead, and Clevedon. Connors is due to return to court on September 22.

James Carbon, aged 43, of no fixed abode, was charged with six counts of shop theft from stores in Bristol. He appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on August 27 and was bailed, subject to conditions, pending his sentencing on October 7.

Over recent weeks, we’ve highlighted the work that continues year-round. Here are a few photos from our patrols. Thank you to everyone who stopped to speak with us, we value your time and continued support in keeping our community safe. #Knowle #Filwood #Whitchurch #Hengrove pic.twitter.com/8blKOKzaqT

— Sgt Joe Iles (@ASPJoeIles) September 5, 2025

Neighbourhood sergeant Joe Iles said: “Shoplifting is not a victimless crime.

“The harm it can cause to both businesses and the wider community is immeasurable.

“Not only is there an economic impact through loss of merchandise, which can affect the running of a business, but theft and related anti-social behaviour can cause harassment, alarm and distress to shop owners and staff.

“The court outcomes this summer are a step towards protecting our communities from the blight of retail crime, but this is just the beginning – we’ll continue to deliver high-visibility patrols in south Bristol locations where issues are known, responding to reports and pursuing prosecutions whenever possible.”

Police ask anyone who suspects shoplifting has occurred in their store to report it here.

Main photo: Betty Woolerton