A serial shoplifter who committed 17 separate thefts from multiple chains and independent retailers has been banned from every Boots, Tesco, Co-op and Farmfoods in Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil. Jamie Johnson, 42, of Tonypandy, stole thousands of pounds worth of goods from the stores in a two-month period. Across the south Wales valleys, Johnson targeted the stores in August and September, stealing alcohol, meat, scratchcards, a pressure washer and Dracula teeth.
At a sentencing hearing at Merthyr Magistrates’ Court on October 4, Johnson was jailed for 26 weeks for the offending. Johnson was also banned from all shops in Cynon Valley, Cyfarthfa Retail Park and all Boots, Tesco, Co-op and Farmfoods locally for three years. PC Jon Abel said after sentencing: “Jamie Johnson is a prolific thief who travelled from valley to valley targeting different shops and products which he could sell on. His crimes are not victimless – they can be devastating, especially for small independent retailers.”
“This type of crime deters important investment from larger chains which has a knock-on effect for whole communities. The criminal behaviour order will help to protect local businesses from his criminal lifestyle and this case demonstrates our commitment to tackling retail theft and supporting the industry.”
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