Prolific shop thief who targeted stores around Wolverhampton and Dudley to spend Christmas behind bars
A 'prolific' shop thief will be spending Christmas behind bars after being jailed for over a dozen shop theft offences across two boroughs.
Timothy Lydon, of no fixed address, targeted a number of stores in both Woodsetton and Bilston.
The 29-year-old stole food, washing products, toiletries and alcohol from the shops in September, November and December, including targeting a store on Millfields Road, Wolverhampton, on December 5, taking £250 worth of items.
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Lydon was charged with 13 counts of shop theft and appeared at Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court on December 19, after being arrested the previous day.
He was jailed for eight months, and also ordered to abide by an 18-month community behaviour order (CBO), banning him from Bilston Street, not to enter a store on Mervyn Place, Bilston, not to enter a store on Sedgley Road, Woodsetton, and not to enter a store on Millfields Road, in Wolverhampton.
Dudley North PC, Josh Gorman, said: "Lydon has been a prolific offender in both the Dudley and Wolverhampton area, so I’m pleased he has now been jailed for his crimes.
“We recognise the impact that shop theft has on businesses and the wider community and remain committed to targeting repeat offenders to protect those affected.
“I hope this sentence shows the community that we take all reports of shoplifting seriously and will do everything in our power to impose criminal behaviour orders to put a stop to those persistently offending."
Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity in their area can report it by calling 101 or using the Live Chat option on the force website.
