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13 charged in shop theft and antisocial behaviour crack down

13 charged in shop theft and antisocial behaviour crack down

Two of Grimby’s most prolific shop lifters have been jailed – and 11 more people are awaiting their day in court to face charges of theft and antisocial behaviour.

The 13 were charged as part of Humberside Police continued crack down on shop theft and antisocial behaviour in Grimsby town centre and the Freeman Street area.

And others thinking of targeting shops in the area have been warned that the same fate awaits them.

Chief Inspector Will Jenkins said: “We’re working closely with retailers across Grimsby to identify and prosecute anyone who thinks that it’s acceptable to steal from them, abuse or threaten their staff or customers or any other antisocial behaviour.

It’s not acceptable and we will continue to find and arrest these people and – where appropriate – put them before the courts.

With offences of this kind, a small number of people are usually responsible for multiple incidents, so by arresting and charging them we can make a big impact on crime and antisocial behaviour in the area. We’re also aware that this isn’t something we can solve long-term through making arrests alone and that’s why we’re continuing to work with other agencies, such as the council, health services, community groups and Town Centre Action Group to find a sustainable solution.

We want to continue to support our local retailers and business owners in ensuring that Grimsby town centre, Freeman Street and the nearby shops and services are somewhere everyone can go and shop, relax and enjoy themselves. The majority of those who steal from shops are doing so to feed a drug habit. They’re also vulnerable, with complex lifestyles and it’s important that all of us come together to offer them the support they need to make more positive choices. Only by doing this can we tackle the issues which have caused them commit these offences in the first place and find a long-term solution to the concerns of retailers and shoppers.”

Here’s a full list of those who have been charged. All have or will appear before Grimsby Magistrates Court or Grimsby Youth Court.

Peter Atkins, 29, of Torrington Street, Grimsby, has been charged with stealing toiletries from House of Fraser on March 5.

He’s due to appear before court on Tuesday, April 23.

Catherine Ritchie, 45, of no fixed abode, appeared before Grimsby Magistrates on Thursday, March 28, where she admitted stealing meat and coffee from Farmfoods on March 24 and March 27 respectively.

She will be sentenced on Thursday, April 25.

Steven Woods (pictured), 35 of Tivoli Gardens, Grimsby, was jailed for 12 weeks by Grimsby Magistrates on Thursday, March 28.

He admitted stealing alcohol and chocolates from Marks and Spencer on March 19 and 8 respectively, two counts of stealing coffee from Farmfoods on March 17 and 27 and stealing toys from Sainsburys on March 11.

He was also ordered to pay a £115 victims’ surcharge.

Michael Rae , 51, of Albert Street West, Grimsby, appeared before Grimsby Magistrates on Wednesday, March 6.

He was jailed for four weeks, suspended for six months, and ordered to pay £48 compensation after admitting to stealing socks from House of Fraser on March 5, jackets from Peacocks on February 11 and coffee from Farmfoods on January 7.

17-year-old Cleethorpes boy, who cannot legally be named due to his age, is scheduled to appear before the Youth Court on Monday, April 8, to face a charge of causing criminal damage to goods at Asda on March 20 and two counts of using threatening or abusive words or behaviour on the same date.

Liam Werrett, 19, of Fraser Street, Grimsby, faces two charges of assault before Grimsby Magistrates Court on Tuesday, April 30.

17-year-old Grimsby boy, who cannot legally be named due to his age, is due to appear before the Youth Court on Monday, April 1, charged with racially aggravated harassment and harassment on March 12, possession of a knife on March 12 and robbery on March 11.

Jae Hurst, 49, of no fixed address, appeared before Grimsby Magistrates Court on Tuesday, March 12.

He was fined £80, with £40 costs and £140.34 compensation after admitting to stealing electricals from The Food Warehouse on March 10 and confectionary from The Big Red on March 9.

Harry Oliver, 44, of no fixed abode, has been bailed to appear before Magistrates Court on Tuesday, July 16, to face a charge of stealing trousers from Matalan on November 23.

Joanne Gray, 42, of Abbey Drive West, Grimsby, is subject to a 12 month community order with a rehabilitation order after admitting to stealing perfume from Asda on February 9, clothes and household goods from Boyes on February 25 and alcohol and toys from Asda on March 7.

She must also pay £85 costs, an £85 victims’ surcharge and £120 compensation.

Marie Birkett (pictured), 42, of Tivoli Gardens, Grimsby, has been jailed for 25 weeks after admitting stealing meat and other food from Marks and Spencer on February 27, March 1, March 4, March 5 and March 8.

She was also ordered to pay a £115 victims’ surcharge.

Evan Jenson, 53, of Hainton Avenue, Grimsby, will appear before Grimsby Magistrates on Thursday, April 25, to face a charge of using threatening words or behaviour.

Stephen Smith, 44, of Peaks Lane, Grimsby, is due to appear before Grimsby Magistrates on Tuesday, April 30, charged with stealing meat from Marks and Spencer on February 2; stealing chocolates from Marks and Spencer on February 12, March 5 and March 7 and stealing toiletries from Sainsburys on February 27 and March 12.

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