Barry shoplifters jailed in Winter of Action crackdown

Three prolific shoplifters have been sent to prison following a successful Winter of Action by Barry Neighbourhood Policing Team over the busy Christmas period.

The operation has seen an uplift in policing efforts to tackle crime through proactive patrols, a crackdown on wanted individuals, and focusing on shoplifting which impacts the local community.

Matthew Moore, aged 28, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to five counts of theft from a shop at Cardiff Magistrates Court on December 19. He was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison.

Matthew Hatherill, aged 37, of Barry, pleaded guilty to three counts of theft from a shop at Cardiff Magistrates Court on December 19. He was sentenced to eight weeks in prison.

Their sentences followed a report on December 15, when the NPT were made aware of a theft from the Boots store on Holton Road in Barry. Following CCTV enquiries, Moore and Hatherill were identified in connection and circulated for arrest. Three days later, on December 18, during an NPT day of action to target prolific offenders and wanted persons in the area, Moore and Hatherill were arrested. They were further linked to other shoplifting offences in the Holton Road area and charged accordingly.

On Monday, December 21, officers received a report of a theft from TK Maxx in Talbot Green on the previous day. Following investigation, Jamie Colburn was identified in connection. He was spotted by an eagle-eyed Neighbourhood Officer in Barry on December 22 and arrested on suspicion of theft. While in custody, he was linked to two further thefts from businesses on Holton Road in Barry and arrested again.

Jamie Colburn, aged 43, of no fixed abode, appeared at Cardiff Magistrates Court on December 23 where he pleaded guilty to three counts of theft from a shop. He was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison.

Barry Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Huw Tyler said: “The Barry Neighbourhood Policing team have been working tirelessly to make sure Barry is safe for businesses and the wider community.

“I encourage anyone with concerns to reach out to us either via South Wales Listens, or via our website, so we can continue our efforts to tackle the issues that matter to you.”