Solihull shoplifter who targeted shops in Chelmsley Wood is jailed

A shoplifter who targeted shops in Chelmsley Wood to fund his drug habit has been jailed.

Paul Jones, of Kington Gardens, Fordbridge, Solihull was jailed for 36 weeks after pleading guilty to stealing goods from ASDA and Co-op on the Chester Road in Solihull earlier this year.

The court heard that he had committed a string of offences between January and March. He stole electrical items, food and drink on 11 occasions, targeting the stores almost every week over a period of three months. He pleaded guilty to all the offences and one attempt theft and was jailed at Coventry Magistrates Court for 36 weeks. He has also been ordered to pay £476.58 in compensation.

Police Constable Ward, from the Solihull local policing team, said: “Dealing with crimes that affect businesses, staff and people who visit the area is a key priority for us.

“Jones is a prolific thief who continually targeted the stores. Shoplifting can have a huge impact on both businesses and those who work for them. It often comes hand-in-hand with other crimes including drug crime.”