Prolific shoplifter jailed following string of thefts from Cambridge stores

A prolific shoplifter has been jailed after stealing thousands of pounds worth of goods from stores across Cambridge.

Joe Wilkinson targeted multiple retailers, stealing items including alcohol, meat, perfume, clothing, and toys between August and September.

The offences spanned locations including Tesco, Co-op, Aldi, John Lewis, H&M, Budgens, and Nisa, with the total value of stolen goods exceeding £3,000.

Among the stolen items were:

▶ £359 worth of alcohol from Tesco, Yarrow Road (3 August)

▶ £367 perfume from John Lewis (23 September)

▶ £350 alcohol from Tesco, Milton (15 September)

▶ £200 meat from Nisa, Capuchin Court (15 September)

▶ £130 Lego from Tesco, Bar Hill (1 September)

Wilkinson, 38, of Harwich Road, Colchester, pleaded guilty to 16 counts of shop theft and was sentenced to 48 weeks in prison at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (1 October). He must also pay compensation of £2,150 to the three stores upon his release.

PC Laura D’Urso, from the southern spree offender team, said: “This sentence reflects the impact of persistent shoplifting on local businesses and the community. We hope it sends a clear message that repeat offending will be dealt with robustly.”