Newport Man Jailed for £860 Shoplifting Spree

A thief who stole alcohol, steaks, chocolate and candles during an £860 shoplifting spree across Newport and Cwmbran has been sentenced to nine months in prison. 🔒

Calum Edwards, 34, admitted to nine theft offences between November 2024 and February 2025, which he committed to fund his drug addiction.

Cardiff Crown Court heard that Edwards took a de-tagging device with him to steal bottles of spirits and even changed into a hi-vis jacket during one theft to avoid detection.

The stolen items included candles worth £80 from TK Maxx, alcohol worth £577 from various supermarkets, chocolate products totalling £125.10, steaks worth £21.48, and Lenor Unstoppables scent boosters valued at £18.60.

Prosecutor Rose Glanville told the court that the total value of goods stolen amounted to £862.18.

Defence barrister Jac Brown explained: “The defendant’s offending came about as a result of his drug addiction. In 2023, he became homeless as a result of the breakdown of his relationship. He was an individual who had everything going for him in life – he had stable employment, stable accommodation and a young family. Mr Edwards remains optimistic about getting his life back on track – he has to break this addiction in order to do so.”

Judge Paul Hobson noted: “It seems to me that there was some planning involved because of the de-tagging device that you were equipped with and also that on one occasion at least you were quickly to change clothes having committed the offence to divert attention from yourself.”

Edwards, of no fixed abode, is likely to serve 40% of his sentence in custody before being released on licence. He will also have to pay a victim surcharge.