Persistent Greenwich shoplifter jailed

A persistent shoplifter who stole more than £6,000 of goods from a Greenwich BP store has been jailed.

According to local reports, John Harris Bolton repeatedly targeted the shop over six months, taking meat, alcohol, and other products amounting to £6,500. The 38-year-old, of no fixed address, was arrested on Feb 4 and despite his initial charge and bail, he continued to steal.

He was rearrested on March 13 and taken to Bexleyheath Magistrates’ Court where pleaded guilty to 31 counts of theft. His arrest was carried out during proactive patrols by local officers, who also collected pushed evidence from business systems and CCTV.

Bolton has been jailed for 35 weeks and is also banned from entering any south east London based BP store for the next five years.

Superintendent Rav Pathania, leading local policing in Greenwich, said, “Bolton stole a huge amount of goods, and I’m pleased he’s paid the price for his crimes. We know the damaging effect shoplifting has on businesses, especially the awful impact on workers who feel threatened by those who target their workplace.

“This was a massive effort which I hope demonstrates how we will drive down crime, listen to community concerns, and tackle criminals who target shops and businesses.”

BP UK security manager Jim Brand said, “The safety and security of our valued colleagues and customers always comes first.

“This is a great example of how by working together we can tackle the issue of rising levels of crime and abuse in the retail sector – and send a clear message that crime has no place in our stores.”

Michael Walters, Area Manager, Safer Business Network, said, “Safer Business Network were commissioned by Royal Greenwich Council to implement Business Crime Reduction Partnerships across the borough to improve community safety and reduce crime.

“We believe in collaborative multi agency problem solving with key stakeholders to find solutions to local problems. This is a perfect example demonstrating the power of intelligence sharing and how working together to identify prolific offenders can mean positive action is taken to protect businesses.”