Report by Duncan Williams for News Advertiser newspapers
A prolific shoplifter who targeted supermarkets and retailers across South Devon and Exeter has been jailed after admitting 22 theft offences committed over a three-month period.
Ben Dennis Williams, 23, of Chestnut Avenue, Exeter, appeared before Exeter Magistrates’ Court on 23rd June, where he pleaded guilty to 22 counts of shop theft. He was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment.
The offences took place between 26th March and 17th June and involved a number of well-known retailers, including Co-op stores in Dawlish and Teignmouth, Tesco in Torquay and Newton Abbot, Costcutter in Dawlish, Sainsbury’s in Newton Abbot, and John Lewis and TK Maxx in Exeter.
Items stolen included bottles of wine, meat, coffee, laundry products, baby clothes, energy drinks, cosmetics and chocolate, with the total value of the thefts exceeding £1,500.
Seventeen of the offences were committed at Co-op stores in Dawlish and Teignmouth. Police say the suc…
