Shoplifter jailed after being caught stealing from numerous shops across Derbyshire

A shoplifter has been jailed after being caught stealing from numerous shops across Derbyshire.

Simon Spencer’s offending spanned several months between January and June this year in which he targeted major supermarket chains including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Farm Foods and One Stop.

He stole a wide range of everyday and household goods including dishwasher tablets, food and wine worth more than £3000 from shops across the county including Ripley, Alfreton, Derby, Long Eaton, Sawley, Sandiacre and Codnor. 

He also evaded capture for a number of months and was made the subject of a wanted appeal.

Officers from the Force Proactive Team, a specialist unit targeting those causing the most harm in our communities, were tasked with finding Spencer.

They tracked him down inside Farmfoods in Codnor on Tuesday 2 June and caught him in the act of attempting to steal 20 tins of tuna.

The 51-year-old, of no fixed abode, was arrested and charged with 23 shop theft offences.

He pleaded guilty to all charges and was jailed for 46 weeks during an appearance at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 4 June.

Sergeant Oliver Priddle, of the Force Proactive Team, said: “For Spencer, his time on the run is over. I am relieved to know he is behind bars and can no longer cause not only financial harm to stores, but also distress to retail workers who have a right to work in a safe and comfortable environment without fear of crime.

"This case should serve as a warning to others - we will relentlessly pursue offenders, regardless of any misguided sense of impunity they believe they have.”