Prolific shoplifter jailed for 26 weeks after Mancot theft

A prolific shoplifter who was already serving a suspended sentence has been locked up for more than six months.

Daniel Williams, 38 and of no fixed abode, walked into The Village Store in Mancot on 15 November last year and helped himself to items before leaving without paying.

When confronted with the evidence, Williams refused to accept responsibility and denied the offence. However, magistrates at Mold saw through his claims and found him guilty on Wednesday, 4 February.

The following day, he returned to the same court for sentencing, where his criminal history caught up with him. Not only had he committed this latest theft, but he’d done so whilst already on a suspended sentence for previous shoplifting offences.

The bench handed Williams a 26-week prison sentence and ordered him to compensate the store for the value of what he’d stolen.

Sergeant Thomas Matthews emphasised the force’s commitment to protecting businesses and their staff: “We continue to deal robustly with offenders such as Williams to protect those working in the retail sector and reduce retail crime. The impact of shoplifting on businesses can not be underestimated, and it is not a victimless crime.”

He added: “As part of the ongoing Operation Bastion, local officers are continuing to tackle habitual and repeat offenders, ensuring we protect staff, customers and businesses from this type of criminality, so Flintshire North is a safer place to live work and visit. We hope the sentence handed to Williams will reassure local businesses and their customers that we take this type of offending seriously and will do everything we can to protect them from crime.”