A Bestwood shoplifter has been jailed after being caught trying to steal packs of steaks.
Several shoplifters responsible for tormenting Bestwood’s stores have recently received prison sentences and criminal behaviour orders (CBOs).
Martin Gregg has become the latest prolific offender to be punished, after trying unsuccessfully to walk into Co-op, in Beckhampton Road, and steal stock.
Due to already being well-known to shop staff because of his past thieving, Gregg had eyes on him when he brazenly emptied a shelf full of steaks into a bag.
After making his way towards the exit with the meat products, the 50-year-old was stopped at the door by a waiting security guard, who then called the police.
Bestwood neighbourhood officers arrived at the store minutes later – on 20 July – and duly arrested the shoplifter at the scene.
Gregg, of Beechdale Road, Bilborough, appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court last Monday (22 July), where he pleaded guilty to theft.
He was then handed a 12-week prison sentence.
Sergeant Katie Taylor, of Nottinghamshire Police’s Bestwood neighbourhood policing team, said: “Having spoken to our residents, we know how frustrated they are by the actions of shoplifters like Martin Gregg.
“Stealing from shops isn’t just damaging for the stores themselves, it’s also extremely unfair on shoppers who follow the rules and spend their hard-earned money on items.
“That’s why we take these offences so seriously, and why we conduct regular patrols around Bestwood and work closely with shops to try and rid the area of these thieves.
“We have seen some good results on this front in recent months, in the form of shoplifters like Gregg being put before the courts and issued with custodial sentences and sometimes CBOs too.
“It’s pleasing to see that Gregg, who is a prolific shoplifter, has been put behind bars for his actions, and we hope he uses this time in prison as a wake-up call to hopefully change his ways.”
