Shoppers confront shoplifter in store

Customers grab startled crook's haul

A SHOPLIFTER reckoned without the community spirit of customers in Thatcham, who confronted him and then grabbed his haul.

Aaron William Wallin, a prolific thief, was thwarted by indignant fellow shoppers at the Co-op store in The Broadway.

Jennifer Riddell, prosecuting, told Newbury magistrates on Thursday, September 3, that on his first raid on the supermarket, he was reported by customers to staff.

She added that the 22-year-old, who lives at Ewing Way, Newbury, brazenly returned for a second thieving spree.

But, went on Ms Riddell: “As he selected items and placed them in a bag, he was confronted by other customers and, in particular, by one customer who confiscated the bag.”

She said that grateful shop management had tried, without success, to trace the have-a-go shopper.

Mr Wallin, meanwhile, was detained and arrested.

Ms Riddell said he claimed to police he had no cash and had been "starving," and was thus forced to steal food items

Mr Wallin admitted stealing goods worth £61.88 on June 12 and Ms Riddell said the total may have been more but that this was an estimate gleaned from CCTV footage.

He also has numerous previous convictions for dishonesty offences and was on bail for an offence of assault at the time of his arrest.

Steve Molloy, defending, said: “I suggest this matter be adjourned to the sentencing hearing for the assault charge, so he can be sentenced all together.”

Magistrates concurrred so Mr Molloy offered no mitigation on this occasion for his client.

Mr Mallin was meanwhile bailed until September 17.