A STORE detective hitched a lift so he could catch shoplifter James Reason, magistrates heard.

The 25-year-old shop-lifter was tackled and detained after he was seen leaving Sainsburys.

The detective guessed which way he had gone, jumped into the passenger seat of a colleague's car and headed after him.

Reason, of Priory Road, Park South, admitted stealing groceries and a DVD player valued at £247 from Sainsbury's and two pairs of training shoes costing £96 from the Nike shop at the McArthur Glen designer outlet village.

Prosecutor Richard Thomas told Swindon magistrates Reason stole the groceries first and put them in a rucksack that he had hidden outside the store before deciding to steal the DVD as well.

Rob Ross, defending, said Reason, a heroin addict had already served just over a month in custody. He was now clean of drugs and had a new partner who did not use drugs.

"I think he has reached the point where he wants to do something about it," said Mr Ross.

Reason was given an 18-month community rehabilitation order.