Man jailed for stealing over £1,500 worth of goods from Plymouth shops
He has been banned from entering over 900 retailers for two years
A 24-year-old man has been jailed for stealing items worth over £1,500 from various shops in Plymouth and has been banned from nearly one thousand retailers for two years.
Liam Dix, who has no fixed address, admitted to committing 23 counts of shoplifting between August and October, taking goods including coffee, confectionery, and energy drinks.
He appeared at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court on 6th October and was sentenced to 40 weeks in prison.
Stricter measures were also enforced upon Dix, as he is now subject to a two-year criminal behaviour order prohibiting him from entering any business associated with Plymouth Against Retail Crime (PARC), which encompasses over 900 establishments.
The court further mandated Dix to pay compensation to the affected businesses.
Inspector Paul Laity from the local police expressed satisfaction with the court's decision, stating it provides respite for the impacted enterprises.
"Laity said, “This has been a positive outcome from the courts and will provide respite to the businesses impacted."
"We hope this sentencing sends a clear message that shoplifting will not be tolerated in the city; our officers remain committed to identifying and arresting offenders who cause harm in communities, putting them before the courts."
"We will continue to work alongside communities, partners and retailers to tackle business crime and continue making our streets safer."
The specific conditions of Dix’s criminal behaviour order require him to stay away from any PARC store, and Co-Op and Morrisons Daily locations throughout Devon and Cornwall.
Additionally, Dix must comply with any request to leave a retail setting by an employee, return any items selected, and engage with support services throughout the period of the order.
The sentencing aligns with the efforts of local police to implement the Neighbourhood Guarantee and enhance safety in communities within Devon and Cornwall.
PARC offers businesses access to a reporting and information exchange system between police and businesses, facilitating evidence collection crucial for securing convictions.
Businesses in Plymouth can join Plymouth Against Retail Crime (PARC) to benefit from its support.
Anyone concerned about shoplifting or antisocial behaviour should contact the police online using the reporting tool on the Devon & Cornwall Police website or by calling 101.
Anonymous reports can be made via the charity Crimestoppers, which takes information without revealing identities.