Skegness serial shoplifter earned he could face prison if he offends again after a fortnight-long spree
A serial shoplifter has been told he could face prison if he offends again after a fortnight-long thieving spree.
Scott Cutts, 38, answered nine charges of theft and one of Class A drug possession when he appeared in court today (March 5).
He has been ordered to pay a total of £420 compensation and undertake non-residential treatment for drug dependency for six months following a pate of thefts.
Proactive policing by Skegness Neighbourhood Policing Team, and close collaboration with store staff, enabled Lincolnshire Police us to build a case against the prolific shop thief, of no fixed address.
Cutts pleaded guilty to possession of a class A drug and nine counts of theft, which were:
February 19 - Meat and coffee products of unknown value from Spar, Winthorpe Avenue.
February 20 - Three bottles of fragrance of unknown value from Savers, Lumley Road.
February 20 - Washing tablets, Lenor Beads and four tins of corned beef of unknown value from Spar, Winthorpe Avenue.
February 20 - Numerous tins of food produce of unknown value from Spar, Burgh Road.
February 20 - Numerous meat items to the value of £157 from Marks & Spencer, Quora Retail Park.
February 26 - Four joints of meat to the value of £60 from Marks & Spencer, Quora Retail Park.
February 28 - Four joints of meat to the value of £100 from Marks & Spencer, Quora Retail Park.
March 1 - Seven mini Cadbury Egg Tablets to the value of £31.43 from Aldi, Quora Retail Park.
March 1 - Four lamb joints to the value of £71.94 from Aldi, Quora Retail Park.
The treatment - imposed at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court, means he must comply with any instructions of the responsible officer to attend appointments and participate in any activity as required up to a maximum of 15 days.
Insp Jacky Evans said: “We appreciate the impact this kind of crime has on the store staff and members of our community. We will not hesitate to apply for a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) from the court should this anti-social behaviour (ASB) persist.
“A CBO will last for a minimum of at least two years. Conditions would be imposed and if found guilty of a breach, this would result in a further conviction.
“The sentence would be at the court’s discretion; they could impose a maximum sentence of up to five years imprisonment or a fine, or both.
“Our officers work incredibly hard alongside our store partners and other agencies to provide our community and visitors with a safe place to live, work and visit.
“We will make use of ASB legislation and civil orders to deal with prolific offenders robustly as an integral part of proactive crime prevention strategy.”
