Shoplifter snared by neighbourhood officer

A shoplifter who was caught stealing by a neighbourhood officer in Peterborough has been given a second chance by the courts.

Michael Benham, 27, entered Superdry, in Queensgate shopping centre, at just after 1pm on Tuesday (30 September). He wrapped three t-shirts in his hooded top and went to leave without paying.

However, unbeknownst to him, an officer from the Peterborough City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) was in the shop talking to the manager and Peterborough Positive's Crime and Safety Liaison Officer.

The store alarms went off and Benham, of Eastfield Road, Eastfield, Peterborough, handed over the goods and was arrested.

He admitted the offence at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (1 October), and was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for a year.

He must also complete a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

PC Ruth Watson, from the city centre NPT, said: “As a team, we are committed to tackling shoplifting, and will be working with businesses over the next few months to increase confidence in reporting retail crime, regardless of the value of the theft.”

Pep Cipriano, Chief Operating Officer at Peterborough Positive, said: "Our Business Crime and Safety Liaison Officer, Emma, was on a business visit with the Neighbourhood Policing team at Superdry in Queensgate to discuss a number of shoplifting incidents, and while discussing the crimes, they caught a shoplifter in the act. This case is a great example of how Peterborough Positive and the police are working collaboratively to tackle crime in the city centre."