Doncaster thief behind bars for Christmas after shoplifting spree..

Doncaster thief behind bars for Christmas after shoplifting spree

A Doncaster thief’s shoplifting spree has resulted in him being put behind bars for Christmas.

Gary Devy, of Schofield Street, Mexborough, plundered hundreds of pounds worth of products from the same One Stop shop in Wheatley, with the 41-year-old targeting the store on five separate occasions between 30 October and 1 December.

He was arrested last Saturday (2 December) just hours after stealing 20 pairs of pyjamas worth over £300 from The Original Factory Shop in Mexborough.

Devy’s thefts from One Stop saw him steal a range of items, including jars of coffee and £76 worth of chocolate.

On one occasion, Devy was confronted by a member of staff as he filled up a bag with items. However, he ignored her and then left the store without paying for anything.

Every single of Devy’s thefts was caught on CCTV and after being charged with six counts of theft, he admitted all the offences at Doncaster Magistrates’ Court on Monday (4 December). He was sentenced the same day and has been jailed for five months.

Police Constable Hazel Smith, from Doncaster’s retail crime team, said: “Devy showed absolutely no regard for staff as he shovelled items into a bag and walked out without paying for them.

“The evidence was staggering as he was caught in the act on CCTV on every occasion and I am glad a judge has passed a custodial sentence.

“Shoplifting isn’t a victimless crime and it can damage people’s livelihoods. Furthermore, staff working in retail outlets should not have to deal with thieves like Devy in their day-to-day jobs.

“As a retail crime team, we are continuing to gather more and more intelligence on shoplifters in Doncaster and we remain committed to tackling retail crime and keeping the city a safe and welcoming place for people to live, work, visit and shop.”