Prolific shoplifter serves prison sentence for 12 offences

Devon & Cornwall Police in Torquay have successfully arrested and charged an individual for 12 shoplifting offences in the town centre, securing a six-month prison sentence.

Devon & Cornwall Police in Torquay have successfully arrested and charged an individual for 12 shoplifting offences in the town centre, securing a six-month prison sentence.

The offender was charged with 12 counts of theft from shops in May and July, stealing over £1,600 worth of alcohol, including spirits and champagne.

Police Sergeant Natalie Booth, who leads the daily activity of neighbourhood police activity in Torquay, said: “We’ve been able to take a repeat offender off the streets which is a positive result both for the local businesses and for the community.

“Shoplifting is an offence that we know has a huge impact on local companies, not only on their income, but also on the wellbeing of their employees.

“We’re listening to what our communities are telling us and that we understand the issues that matter to them; I hope this proactive work shows just that. Our officers are acting on the reports you share, and we are taking robust action to pursue offenders to stop them from causing harm in our town.

“This is just one of numerous investigations that are ongoing to target offenders. We continue to work closely with local retailers to gather information and evidence to build strong cases to achieve positive outcomes, like in this case.”

Inspector Chris Lithgow, who heads up the neighbourhood police officers in Torquay, said: “As a message to offenders, our officers will be doing all they can to target you. We will be regularly patrolling Torquay across different times of day using numerous tactics, including plain clothes patrols.

“And as a message to our community, please continue to report crime and information to us – what you tell us might just be the missing link in our investigation that we need to prosecute an offender.”

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.