Man jailed for stealing deodorant and threatening shop staff in Wisbech
Theft spree included multiple counts from local shops
A 35-year-old man has been sentenced to 26 weeks in prison for a series of thefts and threats against shop staff in Wisbech.
Thomas Storey was arrested on 13th May in The Crescent, Wisbech.
He stole 31 cans of Lynx deodorant, various confectionary items, and a crowbar from Poundland.
Storey concealed the stolen goods in a carrier bag and under his coat before leaving the shop without paying.
Police detained him less than ten minutes after he left the store.
Storey's arrest concluded a theft spree involving seven other incidents at Poundland and a theft from Holland and Barrett between 20th April and 11th May.
In addition to the theft charges, Storey admitted to two counts of common assault due to threats he made against shop staff, claiming he would spray them with an unspecified substance.
On 15th May, Storey appeared at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to nine counts of theft from a shop.
He was ordered to pay £100 in compensation.
PC Rebecca Risebrow, who investigated the case, highlighted the dual impact of Storey's actions: "Not only did Storey have a financial impact on the shops but he also threatened staff with violence.”
PC Risebrow added that such assaults are "completely unacceptable."
“I am glad that the courts have recognised this and sentenced him to some time in prison,” she said.