Mark Thirkettle, a 50-year-old resident of Swindon Road, Stratton St Margaret, has been sentenced to six weeks in prison for theft from businesses in Swindon town centre.
His conviction followed an incident at M&S on July 22nd.
Additionally, Thirkettle has been ordered to pay compensation for the crime.
Several other individuals have also faced charges related to shoplifting in Swindon town centre:
Darren Moore, 30, of Yeovil Place, Park North, faced seven counts of theft from Wilko between July 8 and July 27. He received a 21-week suspended imprisonment, an 18-month probation period, six months of drug rehabilitation, and 20 days of rehabilitation activity. Moore was also instructed to pay £283 as compensation to the store.
Marie Marsh, 43, of Axbridge Close, Park North, faced four counts of theft involving shoplifting from Poundland, Boots, M&S, and Primark in Swindon town centre. She was released on bail under the condition not to enter the town centre and is set to appear at Swindon Magistrates Court on August 16.
Frederick Moulton, 56, of Havelock Street, was charged with two counts of theft related to incidents at M&S and Superdrug in Swindon town centre. Similar to Marsh, Moulton was released on bail under the condition not to enter Swindon town centre and is scheduled to appear at Swindon Magistrates Court on August 16.
Christopher Desantos, 34, of Lilac Court, Pinehurst, faced five theft offences from Wilko at The Parade between June and July. He was released on bail with instructions not to enter Wilko and is due to appear at Swindon Magistrates Court on August 16.
PC Paul Bezzant of Swindon Neighbourhood Central South stated, “We hope this action will show business owners that we take crime very seriously. We will be robust with those who carry out thefts and target repeat offenders.”
Swindon town centre is currently a policing priority, and a dedicated team of police officers and community support officers regularly conduct foot patrols. The recent addition of the Safer Street Wardens has strengthened efforts to combat anti-social behaviour and crime within the town centre and its vicinity.
To report any crimes, individuals can contact Wiltshire Police at 101 or use the online reporting option.
