Thief jailed for six months after stealing from Peterborough shops
Edward Wilby targeted multiple outlets in a spree of thefts
A 36-year-old man has been sentenced to six months in jail after repeatedly stealing food items from shops in Peterborough.
Edward Wilby admitted to eight counts of theft from local stores, including a branch of M&S at the BP garage on Bretton Way, where he stole desserts, cheese, and meat over several visits from 27th January to 16th February.
On 17th February, Wilby targeted Aldi in Flaxland, Bretton, stealing meat worth hundreds of pounds.
This led to his arrest later that day by the Spree Offender Team, as effective communication between shops via the "Disc" platform helped identify and apprehend him.
Disc is a tool provided to businesses by Peterborough Positive, the city's Business Improvement District initiative.
Wilby, who has no known address, was caught carrying some of the stolen meat at the time of his arrest.
He faced Peterborough Magistrates' Court on 18th February, where he was jailed for six months and ordered to pay £549.70 in compensation.
PC Rebecca Risebrow, from the Spree Offender Team, said: “Wilby persistently stole from the same shop, taking hundreds of pounds worth of stock.
“He simply strolled in, filled a bag with what he wanted and walked out again.
“This kind of behaviour is incredibly frustrating for retail staff. We’re working closely with businesses to identify offenders and bring them before the courts.”