Shoplifter arrested on Tuesday receives four weeks in prison on Wednesday

Daniel Reader, 37 of no fixed abode, was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting at 1pm on Tuesday 12 March and was charged with two counts of theft from a shop later that day.

Today (Wednesday 13 March), he appeared in Coventry Magistrates Court and received four weeks in prison and a £154 fine.

The first of two incidents occurred at a shop on Bond Street in Nuneaton on Friday 23 February.

Reader entered the store and initially headed towards the alcohol section of the shop, before finding staff members already in the aisle and turning to leave.

On his way out, Reader placed boxes of chocolate, to the value of £50, into his bag before leaving without payment.

He was identified by staff at the store, who reported it to the police.

On Friday 1 March, Reader entered a store in the Abbeygate Shopping Centre of Nuneaton and filled a bag with medications, washing pods and washing powder before leaving the store without payment.

There was an estimated £100 worth of items in Reader’s bag when he left.

The store reported the incident to police, and with the help of CCTV and a staff member who recognised his face, Reader was identified as the culprit.

PC Tom Shorthouse, Town Centre Officer from the Nuneaton Safer Neighbourhood Team said “We always take swift action when businesses in our community report a crime, and we’re dedicated to keeping shops and their staff safe. 

“Shoplifters like Reader are often quickly recognised by staff members due to repeat offending, and it is only repeat or serious offenders who receive prison sentences for shoplifting.

“Reader will have four weeks to consider the options available to him for future, and to take the opportunities for help offered to him.”