Harlow dummy thief jailed for over a year
23-year-old Josh Guilder assaulted a child during one of the incidents
Last updated 8th Feb 2024
A man has been jailed for a series of dummy thefts in Harlow.
23-year-old Josh Guilder, of no fixed address, was sentenced on Friday February 2 at Colchester Magistrates' Court, to one year and two months in prison.
An investigation was launched by Essex Police last year, following a series of reports from February 10 to August 7 of dummies being taken from children.
In one incident, a child was also assaulted.
The thefts often saw Guilder take the dummy directly from the child's mouth, and tooks place in the Staple Tye Shopping Centre, Woodcroft, Parsloe Road and Cooks Spinney areas.
Following a release of an image, Guilder was identified and arrested on August 15, charged with five counts of theft, three counts of common assault and a public order offence.
He was convicted on November 20, and sentenced earlier this month.
"I’m pleased we’ve been able to identify the person responsible and hold him accountable"
District Commander for Harlow, Chief Inspector Paul Austin, said: “I know these incidents caused concern in our community and I’m pleased we’ve been able to identify the person responsible and hold him accountable.
“It can never be acceptable that people in Harlow feel concerned about going about their daily lives or with their children and my officers have worked hard to get this result.
“I want to thank the community for their support in our investigation. We are committed to keeping you safe and ensuring you feel safe.
“In the last year crime across the Harlow district has fallen with more than 630 fewer offences reported. Violent crime, sexual offences and home burglaries have all seen reductions.
“Your support is crucial in helping us bring crime down.”