A PROLIFIC shoplifter is back behind bars less than a month after completing a previous prison sentence.

Scott Reynolds, 26, of no fixed address, was released from prison on August 2 after serving several months for theft offences.

However, less than a week later he had been charged with two attempted thefts and bailed.

He breached this bail by going on a crime spree in Cambridge, which included thefts from the Co-op in Grantchester Street, Sainsbury’s in Clifton Way, and Ted Baker in the Grand Arcade.

On Wednesday (August 28) he entered the Co-op, in High Street, Fulbourn, at about 6.50pm and attempted to steal 14 bottles of alcohol worth about £340.

He was challenged by the manager and dropped the alcohol but managed to escape. He was eventually tracked down by police officers and arrested.

Yesterday (Thursday) at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court, he was jailed for 26 weeks after pleading guilty to two attempted thefts, four thefts and one common assault.

Detective Sergeant Jamie Stenton said: “Reynolds is a prolific thief and this results shows that his crimes will not go unpunished. His crime affects many people in the city and they will be relieved that he is off the streets for the time being.”