A prolific shoplifter who targeted multiple stores in Selby over a four-day period has been jailed for 25 weeks.
The court said it showed a “Flagrant disregard for people and their property”.
Lee McDonald, 43, was arrested at** Three Lakes Retail Park** on Monday 27 July and later charged in connection with a series of thefts and attempted thefts from businesses across the Selby area.
Officers gathered evidence that linked McDonald to six separate shop theft offences committed between 24 and 27 July.
McDonald was remanded into custody and appeared at York Magistrates’ Court yesterday, (Tuesday 28 July) where he pleaded guilty to six counts of theft from a shop.
He was sentenced to a total of 25 weeks’ imprisonment and ordered to pay £239.
During sentencing, the court heard that the offences were so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence could be justified. The court noted that McDonald committed the crimes while subject to a suspended sentence.
The offences included:
• 24 July: Entered M&S in Selby, selected a quantity of alcohol and placed it into a bag before abandoning the items after being challenged by staff
• 25 July: Returned to M&S and stole a quantity of meat products before leaving the store without paying
• 26 July: Entered B&M and stole washing pods before leaving without making any attempt to pay
• 26 July: Stole goods from Home Bargains in Selby
• 26 July and 27 July: Entered Aldi on two separate occasions and stole a quantity of stock.
Selby Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Rob Campbell, from North Yorkshire Police, said: “Retail crime is not a victimless offence. Behind every theft are hardworking staff and local businesses who bear the financial and personal impact of this type of offending.
“Persistent shoplifting can affect the confidence of retailers, place additional pressures on staff and contribute to people feeling less safe in their communities. It is behaviour that has a wider impact than many people realise.
“We remain committed to tackling retail crime across Selby and holding offenders to account. In this case.”
Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity should report it via the North Yorkshire Police website or by calling 101.
Always dial 999 if a crime is in progress or if there is an immediate threat to you or your property.