Man jailed after shoplifting spree in Stourbridge

Steven Parkes went on a three-month shoplifting spree, targeting shops in Stourbridge.

Author: Molly HookingsPublished 5th Jan 2024

A man who targeted shops and stores across Stourbridge in a three-month shoplifting spree has been sentenced.

Steven Parkes, 31, was jailed for 10-and-a-half months at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court on Monday (1 Jan), after pleading guilty to 23 counts of shoplifting.

Parkes, of no fixed abode, stole thousands of pounds worth of goods from two convenience stores and a petrol garage between October and December last year.

After reviewing CCTV, police officers arrested him on Saturday (31 Dec).

Sergeant Imran Mohammed from our Stourbridge Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Parkes’ shoplifting binge cost local stores thousands of pounds worth of stock, but as well as the financial impact, his actions also caused distress to staff members so we’re pleased to see him locked up.

“We’re well aware of the disruption and upset that shoplifting causes and we work hard to identify and deal with those who are responsible. We’re also working with shops and other local businesses to provide crime prevention and safeguarding advice through the Stourbridge Business Watch group, which we helped launch last October.”

Stourbridge Business Watch is made up of local businesses, ranging from beauty salons to food outlets and retailers, which meets every month to discuss how they can cooperate for their benefit, and that of the local community, as well as working with us to deal with issues like crime and anti-social behaviour.

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