article_snippet.sent: Robert Knowles, 68, is a serial shoplifter who has clocked up nearly 350 offences since 1959 .
article_snippet.sent: Robert Knowles, 68, from Plymouth, Devon, is a serial shoplifter who first broke the law when Britain's most persistent crook with a criminal career spanning 50 years was 13 and has been in court at least once a year since 1959.
article_snippet.sent: It is believed Knowles has now clocked up in the region of 350 offences over The pensioner .
article_snippet.sent: Knowles, who has spent most of The pensioner adult life in prison, had been living briefly in a hostel in Plymouth before the thefts on March 14.
article_snippet.sent: Knowles, who was sent to a correctional school in 1959, has been one of several criminals to win the dubious honour of being named 'Britain's most prolific thief'.
article_snippet.sent: And in March David Archer, from Prestatyn, North Wales, clocked up his 343rd offence - just edging out competition from Knowles.
highlights_snippet.sent: Robert Knowles, 68, from Plymouth, first broke the law when he was just 13 .
  
highlights_snippet.sent: Knowles has now clocked up nearly 350 offences in he lifetime .