Thief targets supermarket three times in one day

A shoplifter who targeted a March supermarket three times in one day has been jailed.

Lee Joseph, 51, entered Tesco in Hostmoor Avenue, March on 1 August and stole a number of LOL Dolls from a display. He returned to the shop twice more that day and stole several packets of bacon.

On 13 August, Joseph, of Springfield Avenue, March, entered Boyes in Station Road, March, and picked up some laundry products before going to leave the store. He was confronted by a staff member and returned one item, but CCTV showed him leaving with another four tubs totalling £19.74.

Officers found Lee cycling in Grounds Avenue, March, on 17 August, and knowing he was wanted, arrested him for the four thefts.

He was charged and appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Monday (19 August), where he was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison. He was also ordered to pay £35.25 in compensation to Tesco and £19.74 in compensation to Boyes.

PC Jamie King, who investigated, said: “Retail crime such as shoplifting can impact businesses that fall victim to it in many ways.

“To help us in continuing to tackle the issue, I encourage businesses to report any instances of retail crime to us as this allows us to arrest those involved and put them before the courts.”