Shoplifter targets B&M in Peterborough

A shoplifter who repeatedly stole from a B&M store in Peterborough city centre has been jailed.

Aaron Cliffe, 27, entered B&M in Bridge Street on 26 December and placed two hairdryers worth a total of £29.98 in his rucksack, before attempting to leave without paying, however he was intercepted by security who retrieved the goods.

He stole from the store twice within the following week, once on 1 January where he loaded a carrier bag with two electric blankets and eight Bold cleaning detergents worth £125.92, and again on 2 January where he took five packs of washing pods, some instant noodles, and a bottle of Zoflora.

Cliffe, of Aqua Drive, Hampton Water, was arrested for three shoplifting offences on Friday (5 January) after he was spotted in Bishops Road by CCTV operators.

Whilst in custody, he was further arrested for criminal damage after he tore up a ‘Codes of Practice’ book and urinated on it when in his cell.

Cliffe appeared at Huntingdon Magistrates’ Court on Saturday (6 January) where he was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison after admitting three counts of theft from a shop and criminal damage.

He has also been banned from B&M in Bridge Street for six months and ordered to pay £245 in compensation to the store.

PC James Brand, who investigated, said: “We are working hard to tackle the issue of shoplifting in our city, but we cannot do this work alone and without the help of our local businesses.

“Therefore, I would like to encourage businesses to continue reporting shoplifting incidents to us when they happen so we can take action against the most prolific offenders who are harming the industry.”