Persistent shoplifter jailed for a string of thefts across Leamington
John Williams, 35, who has no fixed address, has been sentenced to twelve months behind bars
A persistent shoplifter from Leamington has been jailed for a string of thefts across the area.
John Williams, 35, who has no fixed address, has been sentenced to twelve months behind bars after stealing items like food and beauty products from local shops.
He admitted more than sixty counts of theft and one charge of having cannabis.
Warwickshire Police confirmed: "On Friday, 28 November, John Williams, 35, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 12 months in prison at Coventry Magistrates Court and ordered to pay costs and a surcharge of £227.
"This sentencing comes following an investigation by our Business Crime Team who originally arrested Williams in October for a series of theft offences.
"While on bail he went on to commit a further 39 offences, stealing a range of items including food, beauty products and household items.
"Staff at the stores he had targeted identified him and he was further arrested in November and charged with more than 60 counts of theft from a shop and one charge of possession of cannabis."
'Committed to keeping shops and staff safe'
Sergeant Matt Humphris, from the Business Crime Team, said: “We act quickly when businesses report crime because we’re committed to keeping shops and staff safe. Repeat or serious offenders like Williams face prison because shoplifting is not a victimless crime - it harms businesses, communities and can lead to further offending.
“This sentence shows persistent offenders will be brought to justice, and we’ll keep working with businesses to improve security and deter crime. Local retailers tell us seeing offenders held accountable builds confidence in reporting.
“We also recognise Williams’ vulnerabilities and hope he receives the help and support he needs while serving his sentence.”
The businesses targeted in this case are members of the Warwickshire Retail Crime Initiative (WRCI), a partnership of retailers who share information and images to prevent and detect crime. The WRCI supported the BCT in locating Williams, and Peter Guillaume, Board Member and Volunteer Manager of the WRCI, commented: “Retailers want to see offenders held accountable. It gives businesses confidence that reporting crime makes a difference and helps us all work together to reduce theft and protect staff.”