Ashley Daley (Image: South Wales Police)
Last Updated: 48 seconds ago
A 39-year-old man has been sentenced to four months in prison after carrying out a three-week shoplifting campaign that hit businesses across south Wales and the surrounding region.
The sentence
Ashley Daley appeared in court on 23 February 2026 facing a total of 26 offences. South Wales Police had charged him with 12 counts of theft, one count of attempted theft and possession of a bladed article. He faced a further 13 charges connected to offending in the West Midlands area.
The theft spree
Between early and mid-February, Daley systematically targeted supermarkets in Cardiff, Taffs Well, Merthyr Tydfil, Chepstow and Caldicot, operating across both the South Wales and Gwent policing areas. He moved between different stores in what police described as a planned approach, filling bags with meat, Easter eggs and alcohol.
Businesses affected were left with combined losses exceeding £4,000. During one incident, Daley took an entire shop display of Mini Eggs – making no attempt whatsoever to conceal what he was doing. Every incident was captured on CCTV.
The arrest
On 21 February 2026, officers stopped Daley in a vehicle shortly after he had committed another theft. A kitchen knife was found in his possession, leading to his arrest for the bladed article offence alongside the outstanding theft charges.
Police response
Detective Constable Warriner, the investigating officer, said: “Daley is a prolific offender who was brazen in his actions across the country, showing a clear disregard for the law and believing himself above it. Shoplifting is not a victimless crime, and offenders like Daley have a big financial impact on businesses, and emotional impact on those who work there. Daley would have continued targeting businesses across the UK and I am glad to see that he has now been prevented from doing so.”
