A prolific shoplifter who repeatedly targeted Co-op stores in Colchester has been jailed for eight months, in a case that police say underscores the importance of cracking down on retail crime, even so-called “low value” theft.
Scott Butcher, 38, of no fixed address, was convicted of 11 counts of theft and 10 breaches of a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) after stealing hundreds of pounds’ worth of goods from local shops in March. The thefts primarily targeted Co-op branches on 10 separate occasions, along with one incident at an Asda store on Shrub End Road.
Among the stolen goods were everyday essentials like cleaning products, sweets, meat and chocolate. The most significant theft occurred on 7 March at the Co-op on Iceni Way, where Butcher made off with more than £230 worth of items in a single visit.
Retailers and Essex Police worked closely together to track Butcher down, ultimately identifying him as the perpetrator despite his attempts to evade detection. Notably, he was under a CBO issued in September 2023 that specifically barred him from entering any Co-op stores in Essex.
His arrest came following a dramatic foot chase on 28 March, when officers from Colchester’s Local Policing Team surrounded a property where Butcher was found hiding. According to Sergeant Dean Young, the thief tried to flee by jumping over garden fences, but was quickly caught by pursuing officers.
“It’s a little less glamorous and executed with a little less flair than you see in films like Hot Fuzz, but we won’t let gates or garden fences get in the way of catching criminals,” Sgt Young said.
He also stressed the broader message to the retail sector: that police do take shop theft seriously.
“There’s a common misconception that officers won’t deal with ‘low value’ shoplifting. Nothing could be further from the truth and I hope this case proves that point,” he added. “Not only do we constantly work to put offenders impacting our businesses and public before the courts, we also make really good use of Criminal Behaviour Orders to better monitor, deter and detect repeated incidents.”
He also urged retailers to continue reporting incidents and sharing information that helps police allocate resources and build stronger cases.
“I know we can’t be everywhere at all times, but I’d like to urge our businesses and residents to feel confident in making reports to us about theft and associated anti-social behaviour,” he said.
“Without the support and information we receive from you, we can’t dedicate our resources to where they’re needed most.”