Prolific shoplifter jailed after 22 steaks recovered

Officers arrested Shaun Short again on Friday for shoplifting at the Co-op store in Ferryhill.

On searching him, it appeared the 38-year-old was concentrating on a high-protein diet as officers recovered 22 steaks.

These were later identified as having been stolen from Asda in Spennymoor.

Short, of Ferryhill, was charged with three thefts and put before magistrates on Saturday, February 22, where he was handed a 16-week prison sentence and ordered to pay £254.77 compensation. 

Joining him behind bars is Craig Johnson who was charged and remanded for three shop thefts from Ferryhill’s Co-op store just 24 hours after being handed a suspended sentence order on February 19.

The 33-year-old was put back before magistrates on Friday, February 21, where he pleaded guilty to the shop thefts and also breaching his restraining order by entering the Co-op.

Johnson, of Ferryhill, was handed 18 weeks in prison and also had the 12-week suspended sentence activated giving him a 30-week prison sentence in total. He was also ordered to pay £758 in compensation for his latest round of thefts.

Acting Sergeant Craig McGuire, of Ferryhill Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “These two are prolific shoplifters and refuse to learn their lesson. It is unacceptable.

“The team will continue to target and arrest known shoplifters and we are pleased to see the courts have sentenced both Johnson and Short to custody which will give the Co-op and their staff some respite from their offending. 

“We are also working with businesses in the area to enhance their security and thank them for their continuing support.”