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 successful prosecution was made possible through close partnership working between officers and local retailers, who shared CCTV footage, witness statements and intelligence to build a comprehensive case.
PC Ange Comber, from the South Devon Crime Management Investigation Team, said: “This was a sustained period of offending which had a real impact on a number of businesses and their staff. By working closely with retailers and gathering evidence across multiple locations, we were able to demonstrate the full extent of Williams’ offending to the court.
“I hope this outcome reassures businesses that we take shop theft seriously and will pursue offenders through the courts.”
Business and Crime Prevention Sergeant Chris Chaloner said the case demonstrated the value of businesses working together to tackle repeat offenders.
“By sharing information, evidence and intelligence collectively, we are able to identify patterns of offending more quickly and take robust action against repeat offenders,” he said.
He added that partnership working not only supports investigations but also helps prevent crime, protects shop staff and strengthens local businesses.
The investigation was supported by the Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Business Crime Reduction Partnership, operated by UK Partners Against Crime (UKPAC). Participating businesses used a dedicated reporting platform to submit CCTV footage and evidence directly to police, helping officers link offences committed across different locations.
Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said the case showed how effective collaboration between retailers and police can be in tackling shoplifting.
“Retail crime is not just a business issue – it impacts the whole community and undermines the vibrancy of our town and city centres,” she said.
Devon & Cornwall Police are urging retailers affected by shoplifting or antisocial behaviour to report incidents and to work with local business crime reduction partnerships to help identify repeat offenders and bring them before the courts.
( Photos: Devon and Cornwall Police 📸 )