Prolific Telford and Whitchurch shoplifter given an 18-week custodial sentence
A prolific shoplifter has been given an 18-week custodial sentence for stealing alcohol worth more than £1,100 from stores in Telford and Whitchurch.
Gareth Jones, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Telford Magistrates Court on Saturday, 17 January, after pleading guilty to five counts of theft from stores and four breaches of his Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).
The 39-year-old was arrested on Thursday, 15 January, in connection with thefts that happened between 22 December, 2025 and 14 January of this year.
In total, Jones stole £1,156 worth of alcohol from stores, which also meant he breached his five-year CBO that was given to him in October 2025.
Sergeant Rich Jones, from Telford's Town Centre Team, said: “We are committed to arresting and putting repeat shoplifters before the courts. We are pleased with the sentence given to Jones which will prevent further offences and protect our local businesses.
“Shoplifting doesn’t just cause financial loss, it also affects staff who are left to manage the fallout of these incidents. My team will keep working closely with retailers to provide crime prevention support, and ensure those responsible are held to account.”
