'Shop theft is never acceptable': Skegness man spends Christmas in jail after six shop thefts
A man who was banned from entering multiple shops in Skegness will now spend Christmas behind bars, according to Lincolnshire Police.
Police report that Brian Dockerty, 56, of Alexandra Road, Skegness, appeared before Lincoln Magistrates’ Court charged with six counts of shop theft and theft by finding.
The offences, which took place between 16 and 20 December, also breached the conditions of a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) previously issued by Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on 26 June. Police explain that the order was designed to prevent persistent anti-social behaviour and stop Dockerty from entering multiple premises in Skegness following earlier shop thefts.
Lincolnshire Police confirmed the sentences for the offences will run concurrently and include:
Theft from shop (Iceland) – 10 weeks
Theft from shop (Savers) – 10 weeks plus £50 compensation
Theft from shop (Co-op) – 10 weeks
Theft from shop (Empire Stores) – 10 weeks
Theft from shop (B&M) – 10 weeks
Breach of CBO (10 counts) – 12 weeks
Theft by finding – 10 weeks
In total, Dockerty was sentenced to 22 weeks in prison, police report.
Skegness Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Jacky Evans, as reported by Lincolnshire Police, said: “The safety and wellbeing of our community remains paramount, and tackling incidents of shop theft in the area continues to be a key priority for us.
"We are supported by a strong network of partners who work tirelessly behind the scenes to respond swiftly to known issues, provide help to individuals facing personal challenges, and to ensure that those who repeatedly offend on our high streets are brought before the courts in a fair and appropriate manner.
“Shop theft is never acceptable. Beyond the financial loss to businesses, these incidents can be distressing and intimidating for staff and members of the public who witness or experience them.
"Our officers continue to make use of ASB legislation and civil orders to deal with prolific offenders robustly as an integral part of proactive crime prevention strategy.”