Cambridge thief jailed after crime spree across city
Jack Wilmot jailed for burglaries, thefts, and assaults on Cambridge shop staff
Last updated 6th Oct 2026
Jack Wilmot, a prolific thief without a fixed address, has been jailed following a series of crimes targeting shops and businesses across Cambridge.
Wilmot admitted to a slew of offences including burglaries, thefts, and assaults on shop workers over a two-week period from 21st August to 4th September.
During this time, he repeatedly targeted shops such as Tesco and Co-op, climbing over till areas to steal cigarettes and alcohol, and assaulted staff members on two occasions.
He also broke into Dorringtons Bakery to steal a charity box and entered Milton Road Pharmacy unlawfully.
The 29-year-old stole items including perfume, alcohol, and meat valued at almost £600 from various stores such as Tesco, John Lewis, Co-op, and Sainsbury’s.
On Friday, 2nd October, Wilmot appeared at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court, where he was sentenced to a year in prison.
He pleaded guilty to nine counts of burglary, two counts of common assault, and four counts of theft.
Wilmot was also issued a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order, prohibiting him from entering any Marks and Spencer, John Lewis, Co-op, Sainsbury’s, or Tesco located within the boundary of the A14, M11, and A11.
Additionally, he must pay a total of £2,469 in compensation to the retailers and the assault victims.
Detective Constable Zoe Bramley from the Southern Acquisitive Crime Team commented on the case: “Wilmot’s offending had a significant impact on retailers and their staff, who were repeatedly targeted over a short period of time.
"His crime escalated from shop thefts to burglaries and assaults on shop workers carrying out their jobs.
"This sentence, along with the Criminal Behaviour Order, demonstrates that persistent offending will not be tolerated and that we will continue to work with businesses to protect staff and bring people like Wilmot to justice.”