A prolific shoplifter has been jailed after being caught by police during patrols at a petrol station in Harrow.
Officers were carrying out high-visibility foot patrols at a BP petrol station that had been repeatedly targeted by thieves, as part of efforts to support local businesses and reduce crime.
While officers were inside the store, a man known to police entered and carried out a theft, taking goods worth just over £118.
As he tried to leave, officers stepped in straight away and detained him outside the premises. He was arrested at the scene and taken into custody.
Further checks found the man was linked to 20 other theft offences across two BP petrol stations. He was also wanted for failing to attend court over an earlier offence.
He has now been charged with 21 theft offences in total and remanded to prison ahead of sentencing.
The store’s management welcomed the result, saying the arrest had brought “genuine relief” to staff who had been repeatedly affected by theft and disorder.
Police are now applying for a Criminal Behaviour Order to place restrictions on the offender after his release, in an effort to prevent further offences and protect local businesses.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
Harrow Online reaches hundreds of thousands of readers each month and has a social media audience of more than 200,000 followers.
For news tips, press releases or enquiries, contact Chris at info@harrowonline.org.
