Harlow: Shoplifter sentenced within 24 hours of theft

A thief was arrested, charged and sentenced by a court less than 24 hours after he targeted a garage shop for the 11th time.

We linked 28-year-old Liam Kinggett to repeated thefts from a BP garage, in Pegrams Road, Harlow, between 20 December last year and Friday 19 January.

Each theft was captured on CCTV, which was reviewed by our officers.

We also took a statement from the store manager which identified Kinggett and detailed the items stolen.

On each of the 11 occasions, he stole meat products, chocolates, alcohol or – on the final occasion – dog food.

In total, he stole items worth £1,593.

On Friday 19 January, after his final theft, he was arrested by our officers, making no comment in police interview.

But, as a result of the strong evidence gathered against him, he admitted all 11 charges of theft.

Appearing at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Saturday 20 January, Kinggett, of Keefield, Harlow, was sentenced to 13 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.

This suspended sentence order came with conditions attached, including 30 rehabilitation activity days and a £200 compensation order.

'We bring shoplifters to justice'

Officer in the case PC Jade Cooper, of Harlow Local Policing Team, said:

“It is vital we protect businesses from the actions of repeat offenders like Kinggett.
“Tackling shop theft is a priority for us in Harlow as we know, to the victims, this is not low-level offending.
“It has an impact which is reflected not just in the financial loss, but in the personal cost employees face in dealing with the stress of this type of offending.
“We will always act to apprehend offenders like Kinggett and put them before the courts.
“It is crucial victims feel confident in reporting these matters to us, as they will be taken seriously.”

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