Serial shoplifter jailed after three-month spree in Peterborough
27-year-old Darnell Baverstock began stealing from shops in April
A serial shoplifter who stole thousands of pounds worth of goods during a three-month spree in Peterborough has been jailed.
27-year-old Darnell Baverstock began stealing from shops in April, targeting stores on Oundle Road and later taking items from other retailers across the city.
His haul included groceries, laundry products, tools and even a high-value iPhone with police estimating the total value at around £3700.
On one occasion in June, Baverstock tried to leave Lidl with meat products without paying.
When staff challenged him, he pushed a man over before running away.
His spree came to an end in July after stealing from Dunelm in Maskew Avenue.
"persistent thief"
He was arrested on 1 August by officers from Peterborough’s newly formed Spree Offender Team.
At Peterborough Magistrates’ Court yesterday (26 August), Baverstock admitted 13 counts of theft and one of common assault.
He was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison and ordered to pay £550 in compensation.
PC Jack Jenkins from the Spree Offender Team said Baverstock was a “persistent thief who was clearly intent on stealing items whenever the opportunity arose”, adding that retail crime has a big impact on businesses and their staff.