A shop thief has been jailed…

A shop thief has been jailed after he was found wearing the same clothes he had on during two separate break-ins.

Luke Pywell, aged 37, used a brick to smash through the door of Subway, in Bridge Place, Worksop, on 18 April this year.

He then stole money from the till and food from behind the counter.

On 23 April, he entered B&M Bargains, in Bridge Place, and stole dog food and treats.

When he was arrested, Pywell was wearing the same shorts and trainers recorded in CCTV footage of the break-ins.

A search of his home also uncovered a distinctive pair of orange gloves and a jacket used in the Subway break-in.

Yesterday (Tuesday) he appeared at Nottingham Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to two counts of shop theft.

He was sentenced to 20 weeks in custody. However, due to the activation of a previously suspended sentence, Pywell must now serve a total of 56 weeks.

Pywell, of Garside Street, Worksop, was also ordered to pay £470 in compensation and a £187 victim surcharge.

Sergeant Mark Talbot said: “Whilst some may say that shoplifting is a victimless crime, persistent offending like this has real consequences.

“Retailers are often forced to raise prices across their stores to absorb the losses caused by theft – impacting every member of our community in the process.

“We’re grateful to the businesses and witnesses who supported this investigation. Our neighbourhood policing team remains focused on tackling retail crime and keeping our town safe.”