A prolific shoplifter who stole thousands of pounds worth of goods from stores across Cambridge has been jailed for 48 weeks.
Joe Wilkinson, 38, of Harwich Road, Colchester, appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on 1 October where he admitted 16 counts of shop theft. He was also ordered to pay £2,150 in compensation to three of the targeted stores.
Between August and September, Wilkinson stole items including alcohol, perfume, meat, clothing and toys from major retailers including Tesco, Co-op, Aldi, John Lewis, H&M, Budgens and Nisa. The total value of stolen goods exceeded £3,000.
Among the offences were thefts of £359 worth of alcohol from Tesco in Yarrow Road on 3 August, £367 of perfume from John Lewis on 23 September, and £200 of meat from Nisa in Capuchin Court on 15 September.
PC Laura D’Urso, from the Southern Spree Offender Team, said: “This sentence reflects the impact of persistent shoplifting on local businesses and the community. We hope it sends a clear message that repeat offending will be dealt with robustly.”
Wilkinson was arrested following a police investigation into repeated thefts at city and retail park stores across Cambridge.
Source: Cambridgeshire Constabulary