Operation Apprentice, a scheme created specifically to tackle prolific shoplifters in Sussex, has just detailed a number of key arrests and charges.
Speaking of the news, Sussex Police business crime lead, Chris Neilson (below), said: “We understand the financial and personal impact of shoplifting on business owners, employees and the wider community.
“Repeat offenders cause the most harm to businesses, and our dedicated Business Crime Team uses every avenue available to tackle persistent shoplifters, change their behaviour and protect retailers.”
Recent arrests and charges as part of Operation Apprentice include Lintonn Woolley (pictured), 37, of no fixed address, who was charged with shoplifting in Littlehampton on his recall to prison and was given an 18-week prison sentence at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on June 20.
In addition, David Blann, 36, also of no fixed address, has been charged with 20 counts of shoplifting across Worthing, Lancing and Southwick and has been bailed to appear before Worthing Magistrates’ Court on 17 July.
Meanwhile, Kenny Grubb, 33, from Ifield, admitted four shop thefts, four breaches of a Criminal Behaviour Order and possession of cannabis, and was jailed for a year on 18 June.
Ewan Masson, 25, of no fixed address, has been charged with 12 counts of shoplifting in Brighton and possession of an offensive weapon. He is due to be sentenced in court and a warrant for his arrest has been issued.
Also in Brighton, Paul Phipps, 55, of Upper Hollingdean Road, has been charged with 15 counts of shoplifting in the city and has been bailed to appear before the Magistrates’ Court there on 11 July.
Elsewhere in the county, Mark Vine, 47, of New England Road, Haywards Heath, pleaded guilty to six counts of shoplifting in Burgess Hill and was sentenced to four weeks’ imprisonment at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on 23 June. He was also ordered to pay £239 in fines and court costs.
Finally, Luke Wolfe-England, 30, of Eyles Close, Horsham, has been charged with six counts of shoplifting in Crawley. He pleaded guilty and has been remanded in custody for sentencing at Crawley Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (4 July).
“We’ve successfully provided effective pathways for businesses to make reporting as easy as possible.”
Speaking after the round-up, Neilson added: “We’ve successfully provided effective pathways for businesses to make reporting as easy as possible, so we can get an accurate picture of both the volume of incidents and the nature of those incidents.
“We can then assess the intelligence, investigate where there are reasonable lines of enquiry, implement crime hotspot patrol activity and problem solve the issues with businesses.
“We prioritise cases if violence has been used, if a person has been detained, if offending is prolific or if it is linked to other incidents.”
No comments yet