A PROLIFIC shoplifter who plagued shops and stores across High Wycombe has been jailed for two years.

Anthony Flynn, of Bank Street, High Wycombe, was also hit with a suspended three year Anti-Social Behaviour Order, (ASBO) covering much of the country.

The news has been welcomed by members of the Wycombe Watch scheme, which works hand in hand with police, logging movements and supplying intelligence.

Jette Peddie, co-ordinator for the town centre scheme which boasts 80 pubs and shops, hailed the courts decision as "a great result".

She added: "This is something we would like to see more and more of the sharing of information between pubs, shops and police.

"This is a great example of what we can achieve if we all work together. I would like to see more of these schemes they're very effective."

Appearing at Aylesbury Crown Court last month, 31-year-old Flynn was convicted of theft, four offences of shoplifting and one offence of obstructing a police constable in the course of duty.

For these crimes he collectively received a two-year custodial prison sentence.

The three-year banning order comes into effect on Flynn's release, and covers the whole of England and Wales.

Conditions of the ASBO prohibit Flynn from entering all premises which are members of the Wycombe Shop Watch, and prevent him remaining on any premises when asked to leave.

PC Beccie Tysom, of High Wycombe police, played a key role in landing the ASBO.

Speaking after Flynn was jailed she said: "Anthony is a prolific shoplifter, who is well known to all of the shopkeepers in the High Wycombe district area and members of the Wycombe Shop Watch.

Many of the businesses involved have been subjected to him entering their stores tampering or damaging goods and at times taking goods without any attempts to purchase them.

"He has also been verbally abusive towards shop staff.

"He has also been intimidating to other customers.

"Over the past six months we have been working hard.

"During this time we have been obtaining many statements, letters and anti-social behaviour log sheets .

He concluded: "These reports came to us from the Wycombe town centre shopkeepers and service providers in relation to Anthony's behaviour, in a bid to support the ASBO case file."

People interested in finding out more about Wycombe Watch can contact Jette Pedie on 07050073101