Prolific shoplifter sentenced to 24 weeks in prison, Dawlish

Devon & Cornwall Police have successfully arrested and charged an individual from Dawlish for 14 shoplifting offences and an assault on a police officer, securing a twenty-four week prison sentence.

Devon & Cornwall Police have successfully arrested and charged an individual from Dawlish for 14 shoplifting offences and an assault on a police officer, securing a twenty-four week prison sentence.

Ross Norman, aged 32, of Carlton Terrace (Dawlish) was sentenced on Thursday 20 February at South and West Devon Magistrates. He was charged with 14 counts of theft from shops in December [2024] January [2025], stealing over £1,200 worth of alcohol and household goods. He was also charged for an assault on a police officer while being detained for suspected shoplifting offences.

PC George Miller, neighbourhood beat manager in the Dawlish police team urges the community that shoplifting reports are taken seriously: “It’s positive that we were able to secure this outcome, benefiting both the shops that were repeatedly targeted and the local people in the community. We know the harm shoplifting can have on the wellbeing and livelihoods of businesses and their employees.

“I hope this sends a clear message to the public and to local business owners that your reports are being heard. We are taking action as a result of the information you share with us.

"The more you tell us about crime, the stronger our investigations will be and the more robust we can be in taking action against offenders.

“We will continue to work closely with local businesses, gathering evidence and building strong investigations against prolific offenders.

“If you’re looking to commit shoplifting in our town, I want you to know that these offences will not be tolerated. Our officers will be on patrol, both in plain clothes and high-vis uniform, on different days and times to identify and arrest you.”

To report a crime or information about a crime, use the online reporting tool on the Devon & Cornwall website, or call 101. If a crime is taking place, call 999.

Crime can also be reported completely anonymously. Visit the Crimestoppers website or call 0800 555 111 to report a crime with 100% anonymity.