Swansea shoplifter jailed for Christmas theft spree

A prolific shoplifter will spend Christmas behind bars after targeting Swansea stores in a month-long crime spree.

Nicky Barratt, 26, of Waun Wen, pleaded guilty to five counts of theft from a shop at Swansea Magistrates Court on Wednesday (December 18).

Between November 17 and December 11, 2025, Barratt repeatedly targeted Tesco Express and Co-Op shops across Swansea, stealing cheese, chocolates, alcohol, and meat worth a total of £861.40.

Officers arrested him at the scene during his final shoplifting attempt after being alerted to the theft. He was subsequently linked to four other offences.

Following his guilty plea, Barratt has been sentenced to a total of five months in jail.

PS Jon Shaddick, of the Swansea Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “During our Winter of Action we are focusing on targeting those who target businesses in our community to shoplift for their own gain.

“I’m pleased to see Barratt will spend Christmas in jail. I hope this time will provide him time to reflect on his choices.”