Prolific thief jailed after 2 month stealing spree in Dudley
Lee Macdivitt was sentenced to 44 weeks in prison
A shoplifter has been sentenced to 44 weeks in prison after admitting repeatedly stealing from two shops in Dudley.
Lee Macdivitt, who's 37-years-old, pleaded guilty to ten thefts at Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court on 3rd December.
He was caught by police whilst trying to take items from shelves in September.
A West Midlands police spokesperson said, "On 10 July we received reports that a store on High Street, Pensnett, had been targeted shortly before 6.30pm with nearly £50 worth of chocolate stolen.
"Just six days later on 16 July, at 4.50pm three cases of beer were stolen from the same store before further reports were made on 26 and 27 July at a store on Commonside, Pensnett where over £100 worth of household items were taken.
"The offences continued into September with the Commonside store being targeted on 4,5, and 7 September, and the High Street store on 8 September with over £500 worth of items being stolen over the four days.
"While taking statements the following day (9 Sept) in relation to the other thefts, PC Lee Gilbert, from Brierley Hill’s Neighbourhood Team noticed a man entering the Commonside store matching Macdivitt’s description.
"Following the 37-year-old, he then spotted him taking items off the shelves and putting them into a bag.
"The shop thief’s time was up as his attempts to flee where stopped by PC Gilbert with the pair crashing into drinks stands as he tried to avoid being arrested."