A man who stole more than £150 worth of stock during a five week shoplifting spree in Worksop has been jailed. Luke Hawkins, 25, of Kedleston Road in Worksop, repeatedly targeted a branch of Sainsbury's in the town as well as several other shops in the area.
The offending took place throughout December and the start of January, with toilet rolls, crates of fizzy drinks and sweets being among the items taken. Hawkins was eventually spotted by a police officer who recognised him whilst out on patrol.
PC Emily Duerden, of Bassetlaw's neighbourhood policing team, said: "This kind of repeat shoplifting puts a strain on the businesses in Worksop, and puts the staff working on edge in fear of goods being stolen on their watch. This simply won't be tolerated by any officer in any neighbourhood.
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"To some shoplifting is not a serious offence, but in reality it causes harm to everyone living and working in our town. Shoplifting can lead to other criminal activity and behaviour so it's important that we try our hardest to stamp it out and work with businesses in the area to make sure they know we take all reports seriously and will do what we can to catch those offending."
Hawkins has now been jailed for 16 weeks after appearing at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on January 5. He pleaded guilty to 10 counts of shop theft during his court appearance.
PC Duerden added: "Shoplifting not only affects a business financially, with missing stock impacting on their livelihood, but also on the victim's confidence and emotional wellbeing. To anyone who thinks shoplifting isn't serious, I hope this serves as a reminder that you can be jailed for this offence and we will haul any shoplifters up in front of the courts to answer for their actions."
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