Two shoplifters who committed a string of offences have been jailed for eight weeks respectively.

Justin Sycamore, 38, and Simon Speer, 34, both of Bricket Road, St Albans, were sentenced in Hatfield Remand Court on Monday.

The “prolific shoplifters” committed a number of thefts from shops in St Albans and Borehamwood over the course of two months, including taking food from a variety of petrol stations.

PC Shaun Woods, from the St Albans Central, North and West Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “Both Sycamore and Speer are repeat offenders and their actions have had a profound impact on people within the community; mainly local businesses who have incurred financial loss, not to mention the loss of their valuable time in having to liaise with us during the investigations.”

Speer was also jailed for assaulting a police officer at Hatfield Police station on May 5.

Both men were also fined for their offences, with Sycamore fined £165 and costs and Speer fined £115 and costs, extra to their eight weeks’ imprisonment.