Persistent shoplifter sentenced after admitting 19 thefts

A shoplifter who took more than £2,000-worth of goods over the course of 19 different incidents in Burton-on-Trent has been sentenced.

Stuart Meads, 45, of no fixed address, took a number of items from different shops between April and May this year.

He took more than £1,000-worth of cleaning products from a shop, as well as alcohol and chocolate from another store.

We’ve been working alongside the different businesses involved as part of our investigation into the incidents – which led to Meads being charged with the offences.

On Friday (3 May), he appeared at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre and pleaded guilty to 19 counts of theft from a shop.

Meads was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for one year.

PC Luke O’Gorman, who dealt with the case, said: “I’m glad that we’ve been able to relieve local businesses of his continued offending.

“We’re committed to working proactively with local businesses and retailers to address their concerns, investigate thefts and put a stop to those responsible.”