Two Merthyr Tydfil men described by police as prolific offenders are behind bars after a run of thefts that hit shops in the Chestnut Way area of Gurnos.
Sean Thomas, 35, and Nicholas Davies, 40, were dealt with in separate hearings at Merthyr Magistrates’ Court in late October, South Wales Police has said.
The sentences
- Sean Thomas, 35 – jailed for 42 weeks on Friday, 23 October 2026, and ordered to pay victim surcharges
- Nicholas Davies, 40 – jailed for 28 weeks on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, and recalled to prison for a further 52 days
Cash taken from behind the counter
According to the force, Thomas picked his moment carefully when targeting local shopkeepers. He would wait until staff were busy counting up the day’s takings, then leap over the counter and make off with cash from the premises.
Thefts and abuse aimed at staff
Davies carried out what police called a sustained shoplifting spree, helping himself to goods from local stores again and again. Business owners and their employees were left increasingly concerned.
Police said that when he was challenged, he often turned aggressive and hostile towards shop workers. On several occasions he subjected members of staff to racial abuse, which the force said made the impact of his offending worse.
The arrests
Both men were detained by South Wales Police’s Neighbourhood Support Team after the series of offences against businesses around Chestnut Way.
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