Shoplifter went on £1000 crime spree at Co-ops

A man who stole more than £1000 of goods from Co-op shops in a month has been jailed.

Josh Beeston, 27, stole from the Co-op, in Loxley Centre, Werrington, Peterborough, six times, from the Co-op, in Blunt’s Lane, Whittlesey, three times, and once from branches in Hempstead, and Yaxley, between 8 June and 26 June.

He was arrested by officers in London Road, Hampton, Peterborough, on Tuesday (1 July) following a report he had stolen from the Hampton Co-op.

A total of just over £1047 worth of items were stolen, including coffee, laundry products and alcohol.

He admitted 12 offences at Huntingdon Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (3 July) and was sentenced to six months in prison.

PC Rebecca Risebrow, who investigated, said: “Retail crime can have a significant impact on the businesses targeted, both financially and the effect it has on staff.

“I encourage businesses to continue reporting any incidents to us as we can apply for court orders to tackle prolific offenders.”