Jail for prolific Darlington shoplifter

A prolific shoplifter with a penchant for laundry products has been sent to prison.

Between November 5 and November 8, Rhyss Bayley stole £580 worth of detergents, washing powders, and cleaning products from shops across Darlington.

He was arrested by police on Monday morning (November 9) and taken into police custody where he was questioned by officers.

The 22-year-old was subsequently charged with nine counts of shoplifting and remanded in custody to appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court yesterday (November 10).

Bayley, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to the offences, which put him in breach of a suspended sentence order imposed on October 30 following an incident in which he broke into B&M in Northgate and stole £300 worth of cleaning products.

As a result, magistrates jailed him for 26 weeks and ordered him to pay £580 in compensation.

In the last six weeks alone, Bayley has been charged with a total of 35 theft offences.

Sergeant Paul Vardy, from Darlington Neighbourhood Police Team, said: “Bayley is a persistent and prolific shoplifter who repeatedly causes significant problems for businesses in the town.

“Despite being given previous opportunities to change his behaviour through a suspended sentence order, Bayley chose to continue committing offences, showing a complete disregard for the law and the misery he inflicts on our community.

“Shoplifting is not a victimless crime – it has a detrimental impact on the hardworking staff at these stores, and members of the public who witness theses offences being committed.

“Our team remains committed to identifying, targeting, and apprehending those responsible for repeat offending.

“We will continue to work closely with local retailers and partners to gather evidence, build strong cases, and ensure offenders are brought to court for their offending.”