Police warning to potential shoplifters after Kevin Hoole sentenced for theft from Aldi store in New Milton
“WE won’t tolerate it” was the police message after a shoplifter was convicted for targeting a New Milton supermarket.
Kevin Hoole (41), of Dinham Road in the town, stole goods valued at £53.37 from Aldi on Starling Road on 13th December 2024, Southampton Magistrates’ Court heard.
Having admitted the theft, Hoole was handed a community order and told to complete 40 hours of unpaid community work. He was also told to pay £85 in prosecution costs.
PC Tom Jelly, of the town’s neighbourhood policing team, welcomed the sentencing, saying: “I am pleased for the store in question, as well as the wider business community here, that Hoole has been held accountable for his actions.
"Retail crime is one of our local priorities, in addition to all the other work that the team deal with on a daily basis.”
PC Jelly believed the outcome showed the force’s commitment to combating shoplifting across the New Forest.
“I hope this case again sends out a very clear message to others thinking of committing criminality in New Milton,” he continued.
“We won’t tolerate it and we will work tirelessly to bring you before the courts.”
Shop owners and staff are urged to continue to report any shopliftings online via hampshire.police.uk or by calling 101 to increase the likelihood of arrests and convictions.
Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously via crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111.