Prison for Elm thief who stole chocolate and coffee

A chocolate and coffee thief who targeted shops in Wisbech has been jailed.

Aron Beckett, 47, was due to appear in court on April 25 to face various charges, including four counts of theft - from Tesco Express, in Kirkgate Street, and B&M in Cromwell Road - between December 28, 2023 and April 1, but he failed to turn up.

He was arrested in Wisbech’s Horse Fair shopping centre last Tuesday, October 8 and later charged with the theft of £38.95 worth of chocolate and coffee from B&M and possessing heroin.

Beckett, of All Saints Close, Elm, appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday and was sentenced to eight weeks in prison and told to pay £72.67 in compensation to B&M and £13.30 in compensation to Tesco.

As well as the theft offences, he also admitted two counts of common assault, using threatening words with intent to cause fear of unlawful violence and going equipped for theft, namely being in possession of a screwdriver and side cutters.

PC Kami Smith, who investigated, said: “No one should have to go to work with the fear that they may face abuse, and I would like to thank the shop staff on the receiving end of Beckett’s abuse for reporting it to us.

“Shoplifting and associated crime in Wisbech is an ongoing priority for our neighbourhood officers, so I urge businesses to continue reporting any incidents.”