Community order for man who stole clothes and threatened shop staff

33-year-old Paul Emmett from Littleton pleaded guilty for taking a number of designer clothes from a shop, and threatening the sales manager

Author: Oliver MorganPublished 20th Aug 2024

Wiltshire Police say retail crime is a 'blight' on local businesses - and can often be linked to things like anti-social behaviour.

A man from Seamington has been handed an 18-month community order and fined nearly £350 for theft and a public order offence earlier this year.

It's after 33-year-old Paul Emmett from Littleton pleaded guilty for taking a number of designer clothes from a shop, and threatening the sales manager.

He was sentenced on August 13 at Salisbury Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to the offences at an earlier hearing in June.

The incident happened on January 26, when Emmett entered a shop on The Pippin, Calne and removed a number of items of designer clothing before leaving the shop without paying. When challenged by the sales manager he threatened them.

Emmett was also fined £343 in compensation.

PC Lizzie Wright said: "By diligent work from the Calne Neighbourhood Policing Team Emmett was promptly identified and a swift arrest was made.

"We know that crimes such as shoplifting are a blight on our retail and business communities, often causing significant financial and, at times, emotional impacts that can be devastating to a retailer.

"Often, these crimes can be linked to organised criminality and can often also be due to issues such as anti-social behaviour in local communities.

"Ensuring the safety of the community is integral and at the heart of what we do.

"The Neighbourhood Policing Team continue to engage and work proactively with specialist departments within Wiltshire Police and partner agencies to provide a safe place for our community to live and work in."

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