A man has been jailed for multiple shoplifting offences in Newbury.
Aaron Birmingham, 38, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to three counts of shoplifting yesterday, November 6, at Reading Magistrates' Court.
At the same hearing, he was sentenced to forty-four weeks' imprisonment.
The sentencing follows a Thames Valley Police investigation.
On October 11, £227.95 worth of meat products were stolen from BP on London Road, Newbury.
Birmingham stole a further £171.70 of meat product from the BP on October 27.
On Thursday, November 5, he proceeded to steal laundry products with a total value of £44.95 from B&M, Newbury.
Birmingham was arrested and charged that same day.
He admitted to four other shoplifting offences of coffee, meat, steak, house-hold cleaning products from B&M and Aldi stores in Newbury.
The offences, involving goods worth a combined £263.24, were taken into consideration upon conviction.
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Investigating officer PC Alasdair Ferrie said: "Over a short period, Aaron Birmingham repeatedly targeted local businesses in Newbury, stealing hundreds of pounds worth of stock and showing a complete disregard for retailers, staff and the wider community.
"What makes this offending particularly concerning is the level of premeditation involved.
“Birmingham deliberately used disguises and face coverings to conceal his identity and mask his criminal activity, demonstrating a clear intention to avoid detection whilst carrying out these thefts.
“This was not opportunistic offending. It was deliberate, persistent, and planned.
"Shop theft is not a victimless crime. These offences have a direct financial impact on businesses and can cause significant concern for employees who have to deal with repeat offenders.
“This 44-week sentence demonstrates that persistent offenders in Newbury will be brought before the courts and held accountable for their actions.
"I would like to thank the store staff and security teams at B&M, London Road, Newbury, and BP, London Road, Newbury, for their support throughout the investigation.
“I hope this result reassures the community that Thames Valley Police will continue to work closely with local businesses to tackle retail crime and protect those who live, work and shop in Newbury."
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