If you would like to know what the answer is – read on!
In January 2023 some of the Eastleigh BID retail members reported issues with Sam Hills shoplifting from their stores. He was already subject to Shopwatch, and despite this continued to shoplift. He was part of a wider group and in Eastleigh town centre most days.
Mr Hills was already subject to some ongoing Police investigations at this time that he had recently been arrested for, however for unknown reasons his shoplifting took a massive up turn and the level of aggression shown to shopworkers increased sharply.
Behind the scenes your Eastleigh BID team were already taking a multi-agency working strategy with regards to Mr Hills. The homeless team from the council were spoken to, Two Saints Charity were involved, signposting to the Basics Bank completed. This co-ordinated effort was with the aim to prevent and divert Mr Hills from offending. The Eastleigh BID team were also in contact with Mr Hills probation officer and the Police.
The Eastleigh BID team were approached by the Police as they wanted to ensure that they had recorded and were able to fully investigate offences against the businesses in Eastleigh that Sam Hills had committed. He was now threatening staff with needles and knives. This was extremely traumatic for staff to face, some of which were offered victim support. The Eastleigh BID team drove this forward over a three-day period, making sure that offences were recorded and detailed evidence provided. The Town Centre Rangers and Rich Moody were asked by the Police to supply evidential statements for crown court after a request from the crown prosecution service.
On review of all the evidence that had been collected from the associated businesses in Eastleigh, the CPS further reviewed the offences and upgraded them to “Robberies”. Mr Hills was duly charged and remanded in custody at prison.
He appeared at Southampton Crown Court on 24th April, where he admitted five charges of robbery and one of threats with a knife. At the trial, Judge Parker KC is quoted as saying –
“He was a significant harm to the public. The threat by itself is very frightening to anybody who has not experienced that before. These are people who are going about their work. They shouldn’t be exposed to that. Plainly they suffered some harm in the form of stress”.
A chilling, yet true comment.
He was sentenced to five years and four months, with an extended licence on release of four years.
The Eastleigh BID team received a note of thanks from the investing detective, which we extend to our members.
Revisiting the three questions at the top of this article – the answer is clearly a YES!
For further details regarding Shopwatch or any other crime reduction strategies or to register to attend the next meeting, please contact Rich Moody – rich@eastleighbid.co.uk
