A prolific shoplifter tried to flee the country after a £34,000 crime spree at Boots, Tesco and the Co-op. Wesley Maughan stole nicotine, healthcare and cosmetics and would fill his bags with goods before leaving without paying.
He targeted shops across Surrey, London, Buckinghamshire and Kent over six weeks – and was caught on CCTV on multiple occasions. He also hid items in his coat.
The 25-year-old was arrested after Surrey Police worked with retailers to identify him as a suspect.
He was arrested on May 17 at Harwich International Port after trying to flee the country under a false identity. Despite providing a no comment interview in relation to all offences, Maughan, from Slough, was charged and remanded in custody two days later.
He appeared at Aylesbury Crown Court on Tuesday (September 2) and was sentenced to 22 months in prison after pleading guilty to 13 counts of theft from a shop.
Shop staff ‘left feeling vulnerable and powerless’
Investigating Officer, PC Annalise Ware said: “Shoplifting is not a victimless crime. It can have a devastating impact on businesses and their communities. Staff can be left feeling vulnerable and powerless and customers are also often affected.
“It is a priority for us to tackle retail crime head on, relentlessly pursuing those who steal from shops and getting them in front of the courts.
“Crucial to this is shoplifting being reported – irrespective of value – as it helps us build an intelligence picture of who the offenders are and the trends in their behaviour.
“In this case, working in partnership with retailers helped us to quickly identify Maughan as a suspect, charge and sentence him for multiple offences. I hope this outcome reassures our communities that we are committed to tackling shoplifting and serves as a reminder that we are working daily to drive retail crime out of Surrey.”
