A prolific shoplifter who repeatedly targeted stores across East Northamptonshire - while already banned from many of them - has been jailed for 26 weeks.
Christopher Nast, aged 43, of no fixed address, appeared before Northampton Magistrates’ Court yesterday (29 July), where he was sentenced after pleading guilty to five counts of shop theft and five breaches of court bail conditions.
The offences took place in Rushden and Higham Ferrers throughout July and involved thefts from a number of local retailers, including Co-op, Tesco Express and Sainsbury’s stores.
On 10 July, the defendant stole wine from the Co-op in Higham Ferrers, before later stealing chocolate bars from Tesco Express in Rushden and coffee from Sainsbury’s in Rushden.
The following morning, he also stole drinks and food before carrying out a further theft at the Co-op in Higham Ferrers on July 20. The stolen items had a combined value of more than £119.
At the time of the offences, Nast was subject to court bail conditions which prohibited him from entering several retail premises. Despite this, he breached those conditions on five separate occasions between 10 and 20 July.
East Northants Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant, Leigh Goodwin said: “This is an excellent result and demonstrates our commitment to tackling repeat offenders who cause disproportionate harm to local businesses and communities.
“Shoplifting is far from a victimless crime. These offences have a significant impact on retailers, their staff and customers, and we know the frustration that persistent offending causes within our communities.
“This offender had already appeared before the courts on a number of occasions this month, and it is pleasing to see the court recognise the seriousness and persistence of his behaviour.
“We’ll continue to work closely with businesses across Rushden and Higham Ferrers to identify offenders, bring them before the courts and help make our town centres safer places for everyone.”
No comments yet