Crime, Ringwood | Posted on July 21st, 2025 | return to news

Jail and banning from stores for prolific Ringwood shoplifter

Quincy Rufus Digby Hopkins, who targeted multiple stores across Hampshire, has been banned from supermarkets and shops for three years.

Not only has a Ringwood man been jailed for assault and shoplifting in the town, he has now also been banned from multiple stores across Hampshire, as part of a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

Quincy Rufus Digby Hopkins, 27, of Queens Way, was handed the order when he appeared again at Southampton Magistrates’ Court for an adjourned hearing on Wednesday 16 July.

As part of the CBO, Hopkins must not enter any Tesco, Co-op or Iceland in Hampshire or Windmill Service Station, Forest Edge Filling Station and Central Stores in Ringwood.

He must also not enter any retail/business premises from which he has been banned. He must leave any store, or business premises, immediately when asked to do so by a member of staff and he must place items that he wishes to purchase in a store/business premises in a basket or trolley where one is available and provided by the store until he has purchased the items. The basket or trolley must then be left behind.

If Hopkins fails to comply with the conditions of the CBO, he risks being arrested and further prosecuted.

PC Rachel Gallimore, ASB tactical advisor, said: “I am really pleased to see Hopkins subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order, which will now offer stores further protection from anymore thefts and losses at his hands.

“Hopkins has continually targeted shops across our district and beyond, showing no willingness to comply with the law in the process.

“We regularly target and prosecute shoplifters. However, securing this CBO provides additional restrictions which help us prevent and disrupt any potential further offending perpetrated by him.

“Shoplifting is not a victimless crime. Repeat offences, in particular, can create an environment of fear for many retail workers, and this is simply not okay.

“We want to stop this criminality, and encourage businesses affected to please keep reporting crimes to us, so we can relentlessly pursue those responsible.

“Local policing teams put in a lot of work to support businesses, disrupt habitual offenders like Hopkins, and also work with support services for those whose offending cycle is driven by other factors such as drug and alcohol dependency.”

Shop owners or staff members should report shoplifters to 101, or report online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website.

Hopkins was imprisoned for 10 weeks on Wednesday 25 June after pleading guilty to theft and assault on a member of staff at Tesco Express, Butlers Lane shortly before 11pm on Sunday 22 June.

As well as the time Hopkins is currently spending behind bars, he was also ordered to pay £125 in compensation.