A MAN has been fined £500 after being caught stealing from an Andover supermarket as part of a police crackdown on shoplifting.

Roman Constantin, of Alexandra Road in Slough, was charged with shoplifting on December 16 at Asda on Anton Mill Road.

Appearing at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court on Thursday, January 20, the 25-year-old pleaded guilty to theft.

Magistrates handed him a £500 fine. He must also pay a surcharge of £50, and costs of £85.

Further charges of failure to surrender, and failure to surrender as soon as possible were withdrawn by the prosecution.

READ MORE: Man, 25, charged with shoplifting at Asda supermarket in Andover

The charge was part of Operation Scrooge, a festive campaign to tackle shoplifting and ASB in Andover and Romsey which officers say has resulted in a drop in reported anti-social behaviour.

Inspector Chris Taylor said: “This is a good result and I am pleased that the work we have done has resulted in a reduction of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting in December.

“We understand that anti-social behaviour has a serious impact on those who live and work in our communities, and we are committed to tackling this by working with our partners to provide solutions.”

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