A prolific shoplifter with more than 50 theft convictions has been jailed and banned from 14 shops.

Karl Jones, 33, was arrested in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, on November 8 last year after he was identified as a suspect in a knife-point robbery in the area, as well as multiple shoplifting offences in Peterborough.

Four days previously, he entered Budgens in The Heights and threatened a member of staff while holding a knife to their throat and demanding money from a till.

While in custody, he was further arrested for 11 shoplifting offences in Peterborough between September and October where he stole £1,200 worth of goods including alcohol, meat, laundry products and homeware from Sainsbury’s in Bretton, Next at Brotherhood Retail Park and Co-Op in Eye.

On two occasions he assaulted members of staff who challenged him during the thefts.

Jones, of no fixed address, appeared at Luton Crown Court on February 22 where he was jailed for a total of six years and three months for robbery, possession of a knife in a public place, 11 counts of theft from a shop and two counts of assault.

He was also made subject of a seven-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) which states he must not go to any of the following stores; Next, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Co-op, Waitrose, TK Maxx, Superdrug, B&Q, Aldi, Boots chemist, Curry’s, Marks and Spencer, B&M Bargains and Asda.

He must also not enter any shop, supermarket or store without having means to pay for goods.

PC Sian Makin, who investigated the Cambridgeshire offences, said: “Jones is a dangerous and prolific criminal who has an extensive history of offending including theft, drug offences, fraud and possession of weapons.

“Despite previous sentences of community orders, conditional discharges, suspended sentences and serving time in prison, he has continued to offend.

“By having a CBO in place, we will have greater powers to tackle Jones’ offending once he is released from prison. Should he be found in breach of any of the conditions, he will be arrested and put back before the courts.”

Anyone with information about Jones breaching his CBO upon his release from prison should report to police online or call 101.