A thief who stole detergent and washing powder has been sentenced to three weeks in jail after a spree of thefts from Tesco in Ocean Village.

The thief was caught in the act by Southampton officers, who were doing a routine check of small shops that have been targeted by prolific shoplifters.

Andrew Hugh Thomson, 45, was spotted by officers running from Tesco, on Loverose Way, and being chased by store staff, on February 7.

The officers detained Thomson and a large bag of £60 worth of detergent was recovered.

Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, an officer involved said: “Checked in with some of the small shops who have been hit by prolific shoplifters.

“By luck, despite parking my marked police car outside, a shoplifter ran out followed by staff.

“One man in custody linked to three other incidents. Charged and remanded.

The police confirmed that Thomson had been linked to two further incidents at the Tesco store - stealing several packets of washing powder on January 22, and £100 worth of meat on January 29.

A spokesperson for Hampshire police said: “Officers carrying out proactive patrols and visits to shops in Ocean Village on Wednesday, February 7, spotted a man leaving the Tesco Express store with a large bag.

“He was being followed by shop staff who were attempting to recover the bag from him.

“Officers detained the man under Section 1 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and recovered £60 worth of detergent.

“The man, Andrew Hugh Thomson, 45, of no fixed abode, was arrested and charged with three counts of theft.

“One of the charges relates to an incident on Monday, January 22, when several packets of washing powder were taken from the Tesco Express store in Ocean Village.

“One of the charges relates to an incident at the same store on Monday, January 29, in which £100 worth of meat was taken.

“Thomson appeared at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, February 8, where he was sentenced to three weeks in prison.”